Hi Reader,

Welcome to Your Dose of Mana — a quick, weekly note with:​
1 real story
1 leadership insight
1 practical takeaway
1 dose of art

Why being seen matters more than being repositioned

1 Real Story

One night at my Tuesday night West Coast Swing class, something magical happened.

Steve Wilder, a U.S. Open champion, taught what he called his “magic trick” for great social dancing.
It wasn’t about technique or timing.
It was about connection.

He asked everyone to start by simply saying to each partner, “I love dancing with you” or “It’s great fun dancing with you.”
Then, in groups of two couples, he instructed us to give each other two pieces of positive feedback after every dance segment.

For an hour, the room buzzed with kindness.

And here’s what hit me: it was the first time in two years of dancing that I’d gotten specific feedback.
And it was all positive.

I realized how often I’ve been thinking, I’m not that good.
​But last night, people told me things I never expected—especially that I was patient.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know patience isn’t exactly my default setting and last year, I intentionally worked hard on it.
So to hear it reflected back? That hit a sweet spot.

At the end, I went up to thank Steve for such a remarkable class.
He smiled and said, “Would you like to dance?” How could I say no?! So, yes, I got to dance with a U.S. Open champion.
And I danced well, really well.

Turns out, when you dance with a great leader, they place you exactly where you need to be.

1 Leadership Insight

Leaders do the same thing. The best ones don’t just move people—they place them.

They notice what’s working, call it out, and give feedback that builds confidence and skill.

And like Steve, they create spaces where people rise to their potential—because they feel seen.

1 Practical Takeaway

→ Feedback is fuel.
→ Recognition reinforces growth.
→ Appreciation elevates everyone.

So this week, try Steve’s “magic trick.”
Tell someone, “I love working with you.”
You might just make their day—and change yours.

1 Dose of Art

A little whimsy. A little joy. A little doodle.

Doodle by Gary Schechner, 1/1/2026

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.

And if leadership, culture, or people challenges are taking up too much brain space lately—
→ Book a complimentary 30-minute strategy session.​

Thanks for letting me show up in your inbox.
See you next week with another Dose.

More joy. Less friction. Always.
—Amy

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