Effective leadership requires a higher mind to override this and engage with that teammate from a place of full respect for their sovereignty as an individual, the validity of their perspective, and ultimately the relatability of their experience.

Positive thoughts, can also certainly be patterned, unconscious thinking.

If your torn between writing and email or having a meeting around a difficult conversation - this third option may work for you.

The time limit actually enables the choice to be present. 

There is still a way to harness the fresh energy that a new year brings without setting yourself up for failure

Instead of trying to sound "professional," aim to sound real. 

Instead of just "winging it" as you lead your team through its next project or change process, consider leading more deliberately.

Transitions often move from known to unknown. Often they bring us from old and stale to new and exciting. Some transitions, though, aren’t so welcome.

You can’t control your team, but you can create an environment that supports them. 

You can’t prevent the changes, but you can give the team the foundational cohesion to process and integrate the changes.