What’s your favorite color? Mine is the one that’s still in the paper wrapping, sitting in a brand-new box of crayons. There’s a certain kind of joy that comes from opening a fresh box of colors, isn’t there? The possibilities feel endless.
That’s the feeling my two-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter, Abby, experienced recently. A family friend brought her a gift: a brand-new box of 48 crayons. Her small collection of well-used crayons suddenly got a massive upgrade. The sheer delight on her face as she dumped all the new colors onto her little desk was pure joy. We spent the afternoon marveling at all the new shades and, of course, putting them back in the box.
That story got me thinking about how we can find joy in the seemingly small things—especially in times of big change.
For many leaders, the idea of stepping back can feel overwhelming. You’ve built something great, and the thought of passing the torch can bring a mix of emotions. But what if we looked at this transition like a new box of crayons? A new set of colors to explore and new ways to find joy.
One of the easiest and most powerful ways to do this is through simple human connection. I remember a few years ago, when my husband and I had to navigate the confusing world of health insurance as he was getting ready to retire. The process was daunting, but we found joy in connecting with the people helping us. We made a point to learn the names of the folks on the other end of the phone. They went from being anonymous voices to friendly faces, like “Sarah” and the man who, at the end of the call, told us, “I’m getting off work in seven minutes, so I’ll be happy to have a cold one along with you guys.”
Finding those small moments of connection and joy can make all the difference. It’s not just about the big picture—the retirement plans, the succession strategies, or the next career move. It’s also about the small talk, the genuine conversations, and the relationships you build along the way. These small connections have big results, whether it’s at the grocery store, on a phone call with a health insurance rep, or with your NextGen leadership that you are mentoring to one day step into your shows.
You’re at a point of transition. Maybe you’re a seasoned executive getting ready to pass the torch, or perhaps you’re a new leader looking for your time to step up and shine. Either way, you have a brand-new box of crayons in front of you.
How can you find the joy in this next stage? How can you lead with confidence, build meaningful connections, and prepare for the future with a sense of excitement rather than dread?
That’s what I love to help with.
If you’re ready to talk about your next move, your leadership challenges, or how to confidently plan for a work transition, let’s book a free call to chat. I’m here to help you find the joy in the chaos and make sure your new box of crayons is as colorful as you imagine.
Choosing your retirement color is a joy, but ensuring your NextGen is ready to color the company’s future is a necessity. A solid plan for your retirement also includes making sure the people you’re passing the torch to are well-equipped to lead with confidence. If you’re an executive ready to make sure your company’s future is in good hands, read this guide on how to prepare the NextGen leaders in your organization.
That new box of crayons is full of possibilities, but how do you know which color to pick first? If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about how to chart your next move, a simple plan can make all the difference.
I’ve created a straightforward guide to help you get started on creating your own personal development plan, so you can confidently pick the right colors for your bright future. Read more here on how to start building your roadmap today.
Are you ready to create a seamless transition for your company and a joyful one for yourself? We have a guide that will help. As a successful CEO, your most valuable asset is your experience and knowledge. The next move is to equip your NextGen to lead the firm. To help you do just that, we’ve created a free guide: The 5 Steps to a Powerful Succession Plan. Download it today to get started on an awesome succession plan.
Chief Joy Officer: How Great Leaders Elevate Human Energy and Eliminate Fear
Leading with joy? It doesn’t only sound fun, it also contributes greatly to positive culture, employee retention, innovation, engagement, and much more! This month’s book recommendation shows you how you can build the capacity for more joy in the spaces where you lead.
Making a purchase from one of the links returns a small portion of the sale to Mentorloft.
From the publisher: Chief Joy Officer offers sage, hard-won advice to any manager or leader who yearns to make more of an impact on the lives of others, including:
Self-understanding is the cornerstone for every virtue of leadership: authenticity, trust, humility, and optimism.
Good leaders make more leaders: Learn to judge your performance not on whether people are doing what they’re told, but whether they’re developing independent leadership capacity.
Influencing up is just as important as influencing down: how to encourage different thinking in those above you in your organizations.
I’d love to hear about what is inspiring you recently, and what challenges you have been facing. Comment below and let me know!
Remember: Leaders don’t bail. Leaders FINISH STRONG.