We’ve talked about the mirror as a coach (Part 1) and laughed at the funhouse reflections leadership throws our way (Part 2). Now it’s time to get a little deeper because sometimes what we think we’re seeing in others isn’t them at all. It’s us. 

If Part 1 (The Mirror Isn’t Your Enemy—It’s Your Coach) took the sting out of reflection, Part 2 adds the laughter. Because let’s be real: the leadership mirror doesn’t just reveal strengths and blind spots—it flashes our quirks, contradictions, and those cringey little habits we’d rather keep hidden.

In my last post, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: What’s Blocking My Team’s Call?, we explored how the Mirror Principle helps leaders spot communication roadblocks by first looking at themselves. The truth is, what frustrates us in others often reflects something in us that stings—OUCH! But here’s the thing: the mirror isn’t there to embarrass you or whoop your tailfeather (that’s the transactional leadership model of your parents/caregivers). The mirror is your coach.

Ever had a moment where a team member says something that ticks you off, and you think, How could they even think that’s okay?!  Well, spoiler alert: it might have more to do with you than them. Welcome to the Mirror Principle, the leadership lesson that no one asks for but everyone needs. 

Have you ever felt stuck in an impossible situation where you thought you might as well just give up? Keep reading to see what two frogs can teach individuals and teams about what it takes to overcome the impossible.

Ever been jolted awake in the dead of night by the TV blasting the jarring yet passionate debates of Stephen A. (nothing personal, Mr. Smith)? No? Just me?  I did what any desperate, noise-sensitive person would do: I reached for my foam earplugs. Sighing with relief, I find them, smoosh them, twist them, and pop them in. Hours later, I woke up feeling refreshed. I reached up to remove the earplugs  except… there were no earplugs. Nothing. Nada. Panic set in. Had they somehow traveled down my ear canal during the night? Frantically, I searched my ears. As I became more fully awake, it hit me: I never actually put in the earplugs. 

Read more to find out about The Power of Belief.

Ah, the workplace—where we’re all supposed to work in harmony and with glee, right? But sometimes, it feels more like a reality show no one signed up for. Today, we’re diving into three telltale signs your office might be a bit, well, toxic. Why does this matter? Read more to find out!