Learning curve

That conversation with Alex last week keeps replaying in my head, but not in the way you’d expect.

Learning curve

Yeah, it was uncomfortable calling him out on the competitive intensity during team workouts, but honestly? I’m kind of proud of how I handled it.

I’ve always been the ‘keep the peace’ person, especially at work. Smile, adapt, find a way around the problem instead of addressing it directly. But watching Alex steamroll newer team members during what was supposed to be a supportive fitness challenge? Something clicked. This wasn’t about being nice anymore - it was about protecting the environment we’d all worked to create.

The whole thing taught me that real leadership isn’t about avoiding difficult conversations.

Processing mode activated

It’s about having them when they matter most. Alex actually thanked me afterward for being direct instead of letting it fester. Who knew? Turns out people respect boundaries when you actually set them.

Still learning, but I think I’m finally understanding the difference between being kind and being a pushover. Only took me 36 years to figure that out.