The Monday Mix - 5.19.2025
Greetings leaders and change agents!
It is Monday again, and I’m back with another Monday Mix! (You see the name change!) The past week has been a lesson in patience; I’m still learning but also starting to appreciate the process. I’m home after my brother’s graduation (mentioned in this post) and have settled in, getting back to the grind. Trying to promote this venture, apply for jobs, clear my space, and prepare for some upcoming summer fun has me excited yet exhausted. I’ve also found myself diving into a rabbit hole of YouTube poker videos (no small wonder with this gamble I’m taking!), adding that to my ways of unwinding. Since I’m not formally working (although getting everything squared away for TLR and applying for jobs are both WORK), I’ve been able to reflect on what work-life balance means to me and how I can implement strategies and routines that I can carry forward as life and work inevitably get busier. I’m sure I’ll share more on that later. For now, let’s get into the musings!
Word of the Week: affective
· relating to, arising from, or influencing feelings or emotions : emotional
· expressing emotion
Now, this word is similar to the word "effective," and while I think that is an important word and concept as well, today we are discussing "affect." As you can see, "affective" signifies feelings, emotions, and attitudes. So, why focus on this word this week?
I often hear that emotions don’t have a place in the workplace. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I couldn't disagree more. In fact, an old friend and I began our friendship by arguing about this very concept. I understand that people believe we should leave emotions at the door when working to be as efficient as possible. Emotions are conflated with volatility and can be the antithesis of the “just get it done” attitude that permeates so many workplaces. However, the truth is that humans have emotions. Aside from a few individuals with conditions that dull or mute them, emotions are a fundamental part of being human. People are not merely tools that exist to get things done. We bring our emotions to work every day. Change might scare or excite you, but you will feel something about it. We collaborate with others who have their own emotions, which means we need a certain level of emotional intelligence to work effectively.
We can’t eliminate our emotions, and I assert that we need to be more closely attuned to them so we can express them appropriately in the workplace. Emotions are often viewed as the opposite of logical thought, which is also unfounded. We need both to navigate through life and work. In this context, people confuse emotions with emotional *reactions*. When we become more aware of our emotions, we can regulate and communicate them productively. Imagine someone thinking they leave their emotions at the door when they come to work, only to have their company announce a change that will significantly affect them and their work. There will be feelings about that change, whether positive or negative. Those feelings are valid. If they disregard those feelings, they may react in ways they cannot control because they aren’t recognizing the source of their reaction. However, understanding the feelings involved will likely help that individual formulate the right questions and expressions to effectively implement that change.
Don’t leave your emotions at the door. Bring them in, examine them, and let them guide you to your best self at work (and in life).
Quote of the Week: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
It’s no surprise that I love this quote, as it is so similar to last week’s quote. This powerful reframe helps us recognize that there are circumstances and situations that we cannot control individually, while also holding us responsible for how we navigate them. We don’t have to internalize everything around us, nor do we have to let it define us. Like emotions in the workplace, recognizing our level of control frees us to respond in ways that make sense and are productive (and not reductive to who we are).
For example, we often encounter situations that test our patience, adaptability, and even our self-worth. Recognizing that our responses are within our control helps us avoid internalizing negativity or setbacks. Rather than allowing challenging events to diminish our confidence or motivation, we can view them as opportunities for growth and learning. This shift in mindset isn't about ignoring difficulties; it's about refusing to let them define us.
BONUS: To make this more applicable to you, reflect on a recent event that felt beyond your control. How did you respond? What might have changed if you approached it with the mindset Angelou suggests? Consider journaling about your reactions and identifying one small way to reframe a current challenge this week, focusing on your response rather than the event itself.
Book of the Week: The Extraordinary Leader – John H. Zenger & Joseph R. Folkman
I read this book during my master’s program in Leadership, and I found it interesting and helpful, especially for new leaders. This book stands out for its practical approach. Instead of offering abstract theories, it provides actionable strategies and real-world examples that readers can immediately apply. The authors emphasize that extraordinary leaders are not born but developed through intentional practice and self-awareness (my PRIMARY leadership belief). They introduce the concept of “leadership competencies” and guide readers in identifying their strengths and areas for improvement.
What I appreciate most is the book’s encouragement to focus on building strengths rather than solely correcting weaknesses. This positive, strengths-based approach aligns with the idea from this week’s quote, choosing not to be reduced by challenges, but instead to leverage them as opportunities for growth (seeing the synergy in today’s concepts yet?).
The previous week was indeed long and full of challenges. However, I have shifted from viewing these as obstacles to seeing them as opportunities for learning and growth, and it has truly made all the difference. Try to reframe your challenges as well, and let me know how that changes things for you. Let me know how that works out!
Yours in choosing to see opportunities over obstacles,
Janae
