Ever tried squeezing into someone else's shoes? How about a World Series ring? I had the privilege of wearing my friend’s Boston Red Sox World Series ring he won as a pitcher. It’s a little snug…okay, more like “I think my finger’s turning blue” snug! But hey, if you're going to struggle with circulation, might as well do it in style, right?
This got me thinking—just like that ring, leadership isn't one-size-fits-all. Sure, you can try on someone else’s style or strategy, but if it doesn’t fit you (or your finger), it’s not going to work. Leading a team is about finding that perfect fit—where your strengths complement the team’s needs, and everyone feels comfortable, not squeezed.
While my finger may never forgive me (or the fact I'm a Twins fan), it was a good reminder that true leadership is about tailoring your approach to the unique dynamics of your team. And if that means letting go of what doesn’t fit—whether it’s a strategy or a World Series ring—so be it!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to ice my finger.