The Simple System That Made Me a Better Manager (And How It Can Help You Too)
I Wanted to Be a Great Manager—But I Was Just Reacting
When I first started managing teams, I wanted to be great. I really did. I read the books, listened to leadership podcasts, and absorbed every piece of advice I could get my hands on.
But in reality, I was mostly reacting.
I was overwhelmed, constantly solving problems, and trying to keep everything on track. Instead of leading with intention, I was leading with urgency. It felt easier to approach the team with a one-size-fits-all approach, assuming what worked once would work again.
It didn’t.
Some people needed more direction, others thrived with autonomy. Some responded well to feedback, others shut down. Some were eager to be challenged and grow, while others performed best within their existing expertise. I kept learning and adjusting, but I always felt like I was playing catch-up rather than actively shaping my development.
At the same time, I had reported to, worked with, and observed managers across different levels and industries. I had led teams directly, led people without formal reporting lines, and worked alongside managers of all kinds. As I assessed my own leadership performance and growth, I reflected on what made my managers either great, good, or seemingly blocked.
And I realized something: it was about intention.
The managers who kept improving—no matter the challenge—were intentional. They actively worked on their leadership approach, embraced feedback, and adjusted accordingly. Those who plateaued or struggled often lacked a clear sense of direction for their own growth. And over time, that reflected in how their teams performed too.
But intention alone doesn’t solve much.
Most people leaders are overwhelmed with responsibility. They don’t lack the desire to improve, but they lack the space to do it in a sustainable way. It’s easy to get stuck between firefighting and delivering on responsibilities, relying on quarterly performance reviews and the occasional leadership seminar to reflect on growth. But real development happens in the small, consistent moments—not in one-off events.
And this applies to more than just managers.
Leadership isn’t about having a title—it’s about how you operate. Whether you’re managing a team, running a business, or shaping your own career path, self-leadership determines how far you go. Employees, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to refine their impact need just as much intentionality as managers do.
No Single Aha Moment—Just a Puzzle That Came Together Over Time
Most articles on leadership transformation include a perfectly timed aha moment.
I won’t do that—because it wouldn’t be true.
I didn’t have one big realization that changed everything. Instead, I started trying to figure out how to grow and—more importantly—how to tell that I was growing as a leader without making my life harder.
At first, I experimented. I took mental notes of how I handled challenges, reflected on feedback I received, and thought about the kind of leader I wanted to be. But there was no system.
Some weeks, I focused on growth. Other weeks, I was just getting through.
I kept setting leadership goals, but under the daily pressure of getting things done, they kept slipping into the background. Some days, I would revisit them. Other times, I wouldn’t think about them for weeks.
Over time, I started noticing patterns. If I could build a habit of small, intentional adjustments, I could steadily become the leader I aspired to be.
That’s how The Weekly 10 was born.
The Weekly 10: The Simplest Practice That Can Change Everything
I started doing something small. Every week, I’d take ten minutes to pause and think:
What’s one leadership challenge I faced this week?
What’s one thing I would do differently if I had to relive it?
What’s one small, intentional tweak I can commit to next week?
That was it. No hour-long reflections. No complicated tracking. Just ten minutes.
And it worked.
Over time, this became The Weekly 10, a system that helped me shift from reactive management to intentional leadership. It’s incredible what ten minutes a week can do when paired with a clear vision of the leader you want to become. Not only do my weeks feel more rewarding, but I can look back and see my growth in action.
And now, I want to invite you to do the same.
Why This Matters: The Power of Managers
Leadership development isn’t just personal—it has tangible effects on teams, businesses, and overall workplace well-being. Studies show:
Managers account for at least 70% of the variance in employee engagement (Gallup).
Seventy-five percent of employees say their boss is the most stressful part of their job, and 57% of employees have left a job specifically because of their manager (Forbes).
Companies that invest in leadership development create organizations that are more adaptable, innovative, and high-performing (McKinsey & Company).
The way we lead affects not just results, but people’s daily experiences. The Weekly 10 isn’t just about becoming a better leader—it’s about making a deliberate step toward shaping healthier, high-performing workplaces with strong, evolving leaders who are committed to their growth and the growth of those around them.
Bringing Leadership Growth Into the Spotlight: #Taking10
Intentional leadership development deserves more attention. The Weekly 10 is a chance to create a culture where leadership growth is not an afterthought, but a shared commitment. The Weekly 10 is an opportunity to normalize leadership growth as an active, ongoing process.
If you’re starting your Weekly 10, share your commitment with #Taking10—because growth isn’t just personal, it’s collective. By sharing, we encourage a culture where managers, entrepreneurs, and professionals across industriestake intentional leadership development seriously.
This isn’t about another leadership trend—it’s about making the space to grow, to set the bar higher, and to inspire others to do the same.
Already set up your Weekly 10? Share about it and include #Taking10.
To help you get started, I’ve created a comprehensive cheat sheet—a quick, structured guide to setting up your Weekly 10-minute reflection practice. It includes step-by-step instructions for an effortless setup, weekly focus guides with real examples to keep your practice smooth and productive, and a simple yet powerful method for defining your Leadership North Star—giving your growth meaning and direction.
Get your cheat sheet by signing up below. Welcome to the bunch who are #Taking10 for intentional leadership.
