Yesterday, I attended a customer meeting with one of our customer success managers, and it turned into a real eye-opener about what leadership should be. My colleague shared on LinkedIn that instead of needing more oversight, Individual Contributors just want ownership and support. When leaders show up, they’re not just a title; they create trust and momentum. It’s key for leaders to champion decisions and support their teams without judgment. Leaders should empower rather than evaluate. The goal is to fuse the roles of leaders and ICs, promoting shared ownership and respect, so everyone wins together. It’s all about partnership, not hierarchy.
Jon Plotner
Posts by Jon
Patience in Bloom: Why Waiting Matters
The story of a pink rhododendron that took six years to bloom serves as a metaphor for personal growth. Despite consistent care, it initially showed no visible signs of progress. This spring, it burst into beautiful blossoms, prompting reflections on life’s invisible growth periods. Just as the rhododendron established its roots before blooming, we too can spend long periods working hard without immediate results. This emphasizes that patience and continued effort are essential, as many projects and goals develop quietly beneath the surface. The waiting time is not wasted, and eventually, each person’s ‘moment of blooming’ will arrive.
Responding to Feedback: Strategies for Effective Growth
Feedback can feel personal and challenging, often seeming like a direct attack on one’s identity. However, understanding that feedback reflects behavior and perception, rather than core identity, is crucial. Acknowledging that others’ perceptions can differ from intentions allows an opportunity for growth. It’s essential to approach feedback with humility and clarity, asking questions to bridge misunderstandings. While not all feedback may be entirely valid, each piece can reveal insights about your influence and relationships. Ultimately, how you respond to feedback can transform it from a threat to a valuable tool for personal and professional development.


