05/02/2025
This week, I found myself doing something I don’t often do—being indecisive.
I was chatting with someone on my team, trying to decide whether to add a full redesign project to her plate or just request a quick edit. I was pausing—not because I didn’t know what I wanted, but because I knew how heavy her workload already was, and I wanted to be thoughtful.
In that moment, she looked at me and said,
“Kaela, this is your department. You can do what you want.”
I said, “You’re right,” and gave her the full redesign. But what stuck with me wasn’t the decision—it was our team culture and dynamic behind that moment.
In that moment, we both knew that she could be direct with me.
🟢 No hesitation.
🟢 No reservation.
🟢 No fear of blowback.
That, to me, is a WIN. Because in some workplaces and on some teams, that level of honesty isn’t welcomed—it’s punished.
So here’s your reminder:
🎯 Empowered teams speak up.
🎯 Honest feedback is a gift.
🎯 And leadership isn’t about having the power—it’s about how you use it.
The best leadership moments aren’t always the loudest ones.
They happen in quick conversations, honest exchanges like this, and quiet decisions.
How are you creating a culture where your team feels safe to speak up?
Because when people feel heard, they show up fully—and that’s where trust, accountability, and growth begin.
