There's something about January that makes us all lose our minds a little bit. We convince ourselves that this is THE month. The fresh start. The clean slate. The moment when everything changes. So we create these elaborate plans. We set impossible standards. We try to overhaul our entire lives all at once while still, you know, living our actual lives. And then reality hits.

I apologize when I have to bother someone to get details about a personnel matter. Even when that matter is as important (or more important) to the person I'm "bothering" as it is to the employee involved. Even when it's literally part of their job to provide me that information. Then on the flip side, I apologize when I have to deliver news that isn't what someone wanted to hear. When a project didn't make the priority list. When the outcome of a situation isn't exactly wha

Let me be clear about something right up front. The number changing from 2025 to 2026 doesn't magically transform anything. January 1st is just another day. The sun will come up the same way it did on December 31st. You'll wake up as the same person with the same life and the same challenges. The calendar switching doesn't create a fresh start. YOU create the fresh start. The calendar just gives us the kick in the pants to do it.

It's the last Monday of the year, and if you're on social media at all, you've seen them. The posts about New Year's resolutions. The ambitious lists. The grand declarations of transformation.

That Sunday evening pit in your stomach about Monday? You're not alone. Here's the 3-step system that helped me eliminate Sunday night work anxiety for good. It's 7 PM on Sunday. You should be relaxing, maybe watching a movie or reading a book. Instead, you're mentally cataloging everything waiting for you Monday morning.

Just promoted to manager? Delegation is one of the hardest skills to learn. Here's your practical, step-by-step guide to delegating tasks without micromanaging or overwhelming your team.

Here's the thing about leadership: we accumulate baggage. Not just physical clutter on our desks (though let's be honest, that happens too), but mental and emotional weight that limits our effectiveness. Habits that made sense at one point but don't anymore. Beliefs about leadership that sound noble but actually hold us back.

We all know social media isn't real life. Nobody posts pictures of their messy kitchen or their kid's meltdown in the grocery store or the fight they had with their spouse about whose turn it is to take out the trash. They post the vacation photos, the perfectly plated dinners, the smiling family pictures. But somehow, we forget that the same principle applies at work. You see other leaders in meetings where they're prepared and confident. You see them giving presentations

Here's the thing: we've created this narrative about generational differences that's doing way more harm than good. We've bought into these sweeping generalizations, Boomers are rigid workaholics, Millennials are entitled, Gen Z can't focus, Gen X is… wait, does anyone ever talk about Gen X? The reality is so much more nuanced and honestly, so much more interesting.

You know that employee who used to be your go-to person? The one who'd volunteer for projects, stay late when needed, and bring energy to team meetings? Yeah, they're still showing up. They're still doing their job. But something's different. The spark is gone. They're doing exactly what's required and not one thing more. Welcome to the world of quiet quitting, and if you haven't noticed it on your team yet, you're either incredibly lucky or not paying close enough attention.

Leadership coaching isn't about fixing broken leaders. It's about helping good leaders become even more effective. It's about having someone who can see your blind spots, challenge your assumptions, and help you develop skills you didn't even know you needed.

Finding your professional voice isn't about learning to speak up if you're naturally quiet. For people like me, it's about learning to speak up strategically, meaningfully, and at the right times.

But regardless of the field, leadership challenges have something in common: they can make you feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Like you're the only one who's ever dealt with this particular mess. Like there's no one who could possibly understand the complexity of what you're navigating.

Congratulations! You've just been promoted to supervisor. You probably feel a mix of excitement, pride, and if we're being honest, some serious anxiety. Yesterday you and your friend Chris were talking about your weekend plans and now today you’re preparing his job assignments. Yesterday you were complaining about policies with your team, and today you're responsible for enforcing them.

"As you enter the world of leadership, buckle up. You're in for one hell of a ride."

Residents often have unrealistic expectations about what local government can control. They want you to fix the pothole on their street immediately while also keeping taxes low. They want clear vision areas, but don’t want the trees or bushes by their house removed. They demand transparency but then criticize you for "wasting time" on public meetings and documentation.

When you have systems and tools that work seamlessly for you, you free up mental energy for the bigger picture; strategy, relationship building, and the complex decisions that define great leadership.

The truth is, even with the best relationships and clearest communication, conflicts will arise. Performance issues need addressing. Policies must be enforced. Disagreements happen. Accountability must be maintained. The key is handling these situations professionally and constructively while working within the union framework.

The only constant in today's workplace is change. Believe me, I wrote like 7 blog posts about change! Technology evolves, regulations shift, priorities change, and unexpected challenges arise. Your ability to adapt, and help your team adapt, is crucial for long-term success.

The hard skills might have helped get you the promotion. The soft skills will determine whether you succeed in the role.