🌳 The secret to strong teams + a special request!

Dear leaders,

This month, I’m sharing one of my key basics for team management, along with a Harvard article that strongly resonates with my program.

And this time, it’s your turn to speak! In this edition of Inspiring Connections, I’d love to hear what you’d like to see more of. I’ve designed a short questionnaire and look forward to receiving your input and insights.

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The basics of team management

In my management development sessions, I often see the difference between a true team and a group of individuals working together. A high-performing team isn’t just about talent - it’s about trust, accountability, and commitment.

That’s why I frequently refer to Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. His framework highlights the key obstacles that hold teams back: lack of trust, fear of conflict, absence of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. Overcoming these challenges isn’t easy, but when teams do the work, the transformation is remarkable.

💭 What’s been your biggest challenge in building a strong team?

Are we on Harvard’s radar?

I recently came across an article from Harvard Business Review, and I couldn’t help but smile - it reflects three core qualities that we emphasize in our Inspired Leaders program at The Laughing Willow. (@Harvard, are you listening to us??)

Throughout past editions of Inspiring Connections and in training sessions, I often talk about the authentic, curious, and enabling leader. HBR, use their own words to highlight these three key roles: exemplar, visionary and mentor.

Wherever I’ve worked - be it locally in France or internationally in various geographies - people long for leaders who embody this trifecta. And it makes perfect sense:
🌳 Visionaries give us meaning and purpose.
🌳 Exemplars provide passion and protection.
🌳 Mentors bring belonging and status.

No one is inherently inspiring or infuriating, it all comes down to your current behavior.

The good news? Any leader who feels stuck, unnoticed, or even negatively perceived today can shift and become inspiring by strengthening these three capacities.

SPOILER ALERT: In this article, Adam D. Galinsky outlines a practical 4-step approach. 

Now, are you curious to dig deeper? I encourage you to read the HBR article. AND reach out to me to learn more about The Laughing Willow program.

This month, I’m feeling playful and want YOU to be part of the nugget.

Below are a few quick questions about Inspiring Connections, a great way for me to make this even more valuable for you.

I promise it won’t take more than 5 minutes, and your input will be a true gift to me! 

See you next month!

Anita Cassagne, Founder & Coach at The Laughing Willow.