Hello Reader

Last month, we talked about starting the year strong. This month, I thought I'd chat about how to connect with your team after some time away. You see, as leaders, we often return from time off with a surge of energy. Space creates clarity. Rest fills the cup. Ideas start flowing.

The challenge? That renewed enthusiasm can sound like a brand-new list of priorities to your team. While you’re thinking fresh start, they may be thinking: This feels like a lot.

That’s why this moment matters.

Reconnecting with your team post-time off isn’t about motivation—it’s about clarity.

Here’s where to focus:
1️⃣ Re-anchor to what already exists
Reconnect to the strategies and priorities set months ago. Then clearly distinguish:
❓ What’s the same
❓ What’s an extension or slight shift
❓ What’s truly new
Most resistance comes from uncertainty, not workload.

2️⃣ Be explicit about trade-offs
If something is net new, ask the real question:
❓ What comes off the list?
If the answer is “nothing,” then the responsibility shifts to you.

3️⃣ Enable, don’t just assign
If priorities are expanding, how are you helping your team adapt?
❓ Creating space?
❓ Removing friction?
❓ Supporting new ways of working?
You can ask teams to do more—but most of the time, it requires leaders to help them do things differently.

And a final reflection, especially as you move higher:
Are you good at creating space and trade-offs… or do you simply keep adding to your own plate?

Learning how to balance this—without burning out yourself or your team—is essential as responsibility grows.
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Best,
Silvia

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P.S. If you are having trouble not overloading your team (or you feel they aren't firing on all cylinders), I'm opening up a few spots for Level Up Clarity Calls, these spots will be snapped up quickly, and you must apply (should take a couple of minutes to complete) to be considered. If you think you would like some outside help, apply here.

P.P.S. Coming soon - The unCorporate Leader podcast! Be assured that it will be more regularly released than this newsletter has been going out! Sign up here to join the community and to find out ahead of the crowd, when the first pod drops!