This month, GOOD NEWS WANTS TO KNOW...What’s one leadership lesson you have personally learned recently that surprised you? Leaders often avoid difficult conversations to escape discomfort. Yet they are surprised to learn that people want honest feedback and often improve when it’s delivered with genuine care. The conversation you’re avoiding today is the problem you’ll have to solve tomorrow. Craig D. Huston, Summit Achievers Things actually work better when you trust the people around you. Andrew Holmes, President, 4KIDS The 20–30-year-old generation runs circles around the older generations with their knowledge and use of technology and AI. So, the older generations better get with it! William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott I used to think being a good leader meant being poised no matter what, and I was wrong really about that. The great leaders in my life have taught me real vulnerability trumps fake confidence every time. Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting Sometimes one needs to relearn an old lesson. I know I did recently. Leadership requires energy. When we do not care well for ourselves, it will eventually impact our leadership — not listening as well to the team, not having capacity to care for the team when needed and diminished emotional intelligence during periods of conflict. Self care is both physical and spiritual. I am on it. Thank you, Lord! Char Talmadge, Executive Director, Rescue Upstream It seems relatively basic, but I recently sat with a group of community leaders, and I was surprised to learn that many public policy makers do not take the time to get their input when creating policy for the greater community. I found that this lack of communication is a lesson in leadership for our public servants. Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100 With the zeal for the Lord, like Phinehas in Numbers 25, I felt compelled to gently confront a long-time friend and pastor regarding his behavior — that many others also observed but hadn't addressed. I was surprised at his defensive reaction. I learned that ministers need to have more humility, teachability, accountability and repentance. Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship I am usually the person at the table who wants research and evidence before a decision is made. I recently chose to believe something out of loyalty alone without supporting evidence — no surprise that it was not the best choice. Dolores King-St. George, President, King Communications and GraceNet Radio It is never a leader's responsibility to struggle for the team. It is a leader's responsibility to show the team’s struggle is worthwhile. This enables team members to find value in their own challenges and to grow. I must foster a culture where challenges are seen as opportunities for solutions and innovation to take us to the next level together. Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service, and Team Lead, Egbe Medical Mission Surround yourself with people that always rely on the Holy Spirit to make their decisions and they always give the Holy Spirit time to clear a path. . Dr. Fred Scarbrough, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and HOPE South Florida Leadership requires constant clear concise communication. For the organization to feel informed a regular cadence of communication is required in a format that is engaging to the reader. Gregg Wallick, Wallick Family Office I learned that people always have a reason for what they do. Continue to be loving and kind. Leave communication lines open and pray for them. This is both in business and personal life. Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty Rather than just checking off a to-do list. Block time on your calander for different types of work so the urgent doesn't overshadow your true priorities. Jesse Carroccio, Community Impact Director, Moody Global Media I’m reminded of the principle to not say “I can never…” My own limiting beliefs will negate future opportunity and growth if I never try or believe I am capable of doing something. Justus Martin, Photographer, Justus Martin Photo One leadership lesson that has personally surprised me is how quickly people respond when they feel genuinely seen, valued and heard. I have found that a little encouragement and taking time to pour into someone’s life can open hearts in powerful ways. It reminds me of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well, He saw beyond her past, spoke with compassion, and changed her life through truth and grace. That moment shows us that when people feel valued, respected and cared for, it can lead to healing, hope and lasting transformation. Ken Kerrigan, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Pompano Communicate - as much as you can, as often as you can, as simply as you can. While the lesson won't be a surprise to most, when done poorly, a lot of surprises will pop up for all involved. Kevin Granato, MSW, Vice President of Engagement, 4KIDS of South Florida I’ve learned that this generation of college students expects transparency, not hierarchy. They engage more when leaders explain the “why” and invite dialogue, which has pushed me to lead with more openness and transparency. Laura Bishop, Executive Vice President of Advancement, Palm Beach Atlantic University Char Talmadge Chip LaMarca Deborah Cusick Andrew Holmes William “Bill” C. Davell Bob Denison P “ t 3 t k r i r w d d t p t wt m Wants to Know… Craig D. Huston D
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