🔥 5 Minutes of Leadership Fuel
✉️ This post is part of The 5-Minute Mentor — my weekly leadership newsletter. If you’d like to get it delivered straight to your inbox, click here to subscribe.
Welcome to The 5-Minute Mentor — your weekly dose of leadership inspiration, curated resources, and practical action. All in under 5 minutes.
Activating Your Genius in 5,4,3,2,1… 🤩
🎵 A Dose of Inspiration
“The conductor of an orchestra doesn’t make a sound. He depends, for his power, on his ability to make other people powerful.”
— Benjamin Zander
Leadership isn’t about shining a spotlight on yourself… it’s about inspiring and drawing out the best in those around you.
Great leaders create the conditions for others, and the music, to shine.
đź“Ą Download the quote graphic to use in your next staff email or meeting.
🤓 A Dose of Learning
In a recent post, Simon Sinek highlights Dr. Zach Mercurio’s work on the power of purpose and belonging in the workplace. His research reveals a simple but profound truth: feeling seen fuels trust and contribution.
Mercurio shares the story of a bank leader who ends each week by sending one brief message:
“If it weren’t for you…”
She follows it with a specific reason–what the person did and why it mattered. Over time, this small, intentional act built an authentic culture of deep trust and mutual appreciation.
Because when people can name their genius and see how it helps the mission come alive, when they feel needed, they’re more willing to take risks, offer ideas, and support others, knowing someone’s got their back.
At school, it might sound like, “If it weren’t for you, our family engagement night wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.”
And beyond work? This practice still holds immense power. Find ways your family, friends, and community shape your days…. and say it out loud. It costs nothing yet pays lasting dividends for both them and you.
Leaders who consistently recognize others’ contributions create more than gratitude; they create belonging.
👉 Read the full post: Saying This One Sentence Will Make You a Better Leader
🌀 A Dose of Action
This week, practice the “If it weren’t for you” ritual, and watch what happens when gratitude finds its voice.
Try this:
- Send three notes (text, email, or handwritten) beginning with “If it weren’t for you…”
- Name one specific behavior.
- Explain its impact.
- Do one public shout-out during a meeting or on the announcements. Keep it under 20 seconds.
- Ask your team: “Who do we want to thank today, and why?”
When you lead with gratitude, at work and at home, you strengthen every circle of belonging you touch.
Small words. Big ripple.
You got this. Let’s lead with belief.
In your corner,
​Melody​
​Founder, Culture of Belief
PS: This has me spinning… 🕷️🕸️🤓
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