🌳 How to stop solving your team members’ problems

Dear leaders,

This month, I invite you to put on your coach hat. Yes - you have one. Even if it’s sometimes hard to wear, whether due to lack of time or headspace.

That’s why I’m sharing the book that can make your life easier, plus a simple leadership nudge to try out.

Also... 🎁 Time to play! I’m offering seats in this fall’s co-development sessions.

But first, before you dive into this June edition of Inspiring Connections, let me tell you here what happened when a client recently said to me: “I thought it was going to be boring.” 

With you on the journey,
Anita

Anita Cassagne, Founder & Coach at The Laughing Willow.

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A book to keep on your desk

This month, I’m sharing a little gem I always recommend to leaders - whether they're just starting out or have 20 years under their belt:  “The Coaching Habit - Say Less, ask more & change the way you lead forever” by Michael Bungay Stanier.

Why this book? Because in just 7 simple questions, it teaches you how to talk less, listen better, and lead smarter.

Michael’s core message is clear: as a leader, your job is not to have all the answers - it’s to help others find theirs. That’s what real coaching is about.

It’s practical, relatable and powerful! You can read it in an evening.. and its lessons will stay with you for years.

A habit to build this week

My tip for you: next time one of your team members walks into your office with a question - and you know they probably already have the answer deep down - resist the urge to respond right away.

Instead, try this: flip the conversation with a simple, open-ended question like: “What would you do if I weren’t here?” or  “What’s your gut telling you?”, "What would be the benefit? The risk?" 

Why?
Because every time you answer for them, you train them to depend on you. But every time you ask instead, you train them to think for themselves.

The benefit?

🌳 You grow their confidence.
🌳 You free up your own mental load.
🌳 You build a team that thinks, not just executes.

Leadership isn’t about having the best answers - it’s about helping others discover their own. 

Try it this week. You might be surprised by the insights they already have.

🎁 A lunch like no other

I recently asked for your thoughts in this Inspiring Connections edition, and one strong theme came up: you’re looking for more support and peer-to-peer help.

Perfect timing - that’s exactly what we’re building together here!

To keep the momentum going, I want to launch regular giveaways to connect, inspire, and support each other.

This time, Danae and I offering a gift that many of you have loved: a seat at our next co-development session  🎉

Two sessions are already full before the summer - and we will come back to you shortly with the dates in the fall.

These lunchtime sessions (in English or French, depending on the group) offer a confidential, high-trust space to explore real challenges and learn from each other.

Here’s the kind of questions we explore together:

How do I re-motivate my team?
How can I give better feedback?
How can I influence key stakeholders?
How do I handle a difficult conversation?
I’m struggling to delegate - where do I start?
How can I feel more confident in a new role?

🎟️ Want in?
The first 6 people to reply with a challenge they’d like to explore will win their seat. What’s something on your mind these days?