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Hi Reader, Welcome to Your Dose of Mana — a quick, weekly note with: If your biggest business challenges are actually people challenges, you’re in the right place. 1 Real Story A friend of mine recently told me he did a “friendship audit.” No drama. He simply noticed which relationships consistently left him drained… and which left him energized. And he made adjustments. Less outreach. It got me thinking. My other mother (aka my stepmother) always says, “We live our lives in chapters.” If that’s true, then not every relationship — or project, or role — is meant to last the entire book. Some chapters are foundational. The real question is: how do you know when one has run its course? 1 Leadership Insight Energy is data. Pay attention to it. When you consistently leave a conversation, a meeting, or a workstream feeling smaller, tighter, or resentful, that’s information. Flow feels expansive. The mistake many leaders make is confusing endurance with strength. We tell ourselves: Sometimes that’s true. But sometimes the chapter is over. In relationships. Knowing when to pivot is a leadership skill. So is knowing when to stop throwing good energy into something that isn’t returning it. There’s a difference between discomfort that grows you and depletion that erodes you. One builds capacity. 1 Practical Takeaway Ask yourself: – Does this relationship still feel mutual? Chapters end for a reason. Not every friendship needs a dramatic breakup. Sometimes you just create space. Less frequency. Fewer invitations. A gentle drift. At work, it might mean: Failing and pivoting aren’t weaknesses. They’re lessons and discernment. And remember: You should always do what’s best for you. The company will always do what’s best for them. That’s their fiduciary responsibility. Protecting your energy isn’t selfish. It’s strategic. Because when you’re in flow — when your energy is aligned — you don’t just perform better. You lead better. Turn the page when it’s time. The next chapter is waiting. It’s bound to be exciting. 1 Dose of Art A little whimsy. A little joy. A little doodle.
Doodle by Gary Schechner, 3/10/26 Even though this is a “mass email” I mean it when I say—let me know what you are up to. Reply, book a Zoom, pick up the phone. I’d love to catch up. If people friction is slowing down your business, let’s fix that. Thanks for letting me show up in your inbox. More joy. Less friction. Always. |