Blog

Written by:  Machen MacDonald/ProBrilliance!

Let’s be real. Leading a business in today’s world is challenging. Your to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt. You’re juggling sales slumps, team disengagement, family demands, and the ever-familiar late-night whisper: “Am I doing enough?”

Here’s the truth. You are enough. But your people need your ignited self—the leader who’s clear, courageous, and connected. They don’t just need you to manage them. They need you to model what it looks like to lead with purpose, presence, and a spark of joy. That’s where IGNITE comes in—a six-part strategy to turn your daily overwhelm into renewed energy and business growth.

I – Inspire with Intention

As Marcus Aurelius said, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

When’s the last time you reminded your team why you do what you do—not just what to do? People don’t follow task lists. They follow meaning. Start meetings with a short story about a customer you helped, or a value you saw lived out in action. Show them the why, and the work becomes a mission.

Intention is contagious. When you get grounded in what matters most – freedom, family, service—your team takes their cues from you. You don’t need a TED Talk. Just be real. Be human. That inspires.

G – Grow Your Grit

Seneca said, “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” In other words, that pile of problems on your desk? It’s your personal gym for building leadership muscle.

Your team is watching how you respond to challenges. When you practice calm curiosity instead of chaotic reaction, they learn resilience. Normalize failure. Remind yourself and your team – failure doesn’t define us, it refines us. Celebrate progress. Share how you bounce back. Grit isn’t grinding harder. It’s showing up again—and helping your people do the same.

Want your people to take ownership? Give them problems to solve, not just tasks to complete. Coach them to stretch, not stress.

N – Nurture Connection

Socrates once said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” That includes Bob from accounting who keeps forgetting the new CRM, and Sarah from sales who’s checked out by 3pm.

Burnout often masquerades as laziness. Disengagement is often just disconnection.

Create space for real conversations. Do weekly check-ins with your direct reports that aren’t just about KPIs but about how they’re doing as humans. Host walk-and-talks. Laugh together. Celebrate birthdays, big wins, and even “learning moments” from screw-ups.

When people feel seen, they step up.

I – Implement Accountability (with Compassion)

Accountability isn’t a dirty word. It’s an act of care. It says, “I see your potential, and I won’t let you settle.” But accountability without compassion becomes command and control—which never scales well, especially in small businesses. Rather than thinking of it as holding people accountable, think of it as holding them “capable.”

Try this simple script:

“Here’s what we agreed on. Here’s what’s happening. How can I support you in closing that gap?”

You don’t have to micromanage. You do have to lead through clarity, expectations, and follow-up. The consistency of your leadership becomes the safety net for their performance.

T – Take Time to Think

You don’t need more hours. You need more clarity.

Schedule thinking time like you would a meeting with your biggest client (because honestly, you are your biggest asset). Thirty minutes a week—no phone, no emails—just journal prompts like:

• What’s working?
• What’s not?
• What needs to change?
• Who do I need to become to lead at the next level?

Thinking time = better decisions. Better decisions = less rework. Less rework = less stress. You get the idea.

E – Energize Through Example

If your energy is flat, your team’s going to match that vibe faster than a teenager mimicking your mood. You don’t need to be Tony Robbins, but you do need to show up aligned and alive. That means taking care of your body, mind, and soul.

Yes, that includes sleep. Yes, that includes boundaries. And yes, sometimes it includes stepping away from the chaos to attend a peer advisory group, like Vistage, where you can refill your leadership tank with clarity and confidence.

As Marcus Aurelius reminds us: “Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” In other words, lead with your being, not just your doing.

Final Word: Your Fire Lights the Way.

Re-engaging your team starts with re-igniting yourself. You don’t have to do it alone. In fact, you shouldn’t. Whether it’s a strategic coach, a peer group, or just a trusted advisor, having someone in your corner makes all the difference.

IGNITE isn’t just a framework. It’s a call to come back to your power—without the burnout, the doubt, or the isolation. Your people are ready to step up. The question is: Are you ready to spark the shift?

Want help implementing these six steps in your leadership and culture? Let’s talk. Clarity and mojo are only one powerful conversation away

Make it up, make it fun, and get it done!

#1 bestselling author Machen MacDonald, CPCC, CCSC is an award-winning certified life strategist and business coach with ProBrilliance Leadership Institute in Grass Valley, CA. He helps professionals bring their “A” Game to their Hero’s Journey. He can be reached at [email protected] and 530-273-8000