It’s how you react to events and people that creates your environment and can add to a positive culture. As a leader, your reactor is one of the most powerful in your system. You are either a polluter or a generator and the exciting thing is you have a choice.

Have you ever noticed how uplifting it is to be surrounded by people of positive intent, who use clear language and who stay looking at the big picture rather than the small setbacks on the way?

Here’s the proposal - Leaf blowers are things in organisations and teams that shouldn’t be held onto. They should be removed. Introduced by someone at some time that thought it was a good idea... and yet they still exist! They are still in the DNA of the team, maybe in the processes, the roles, the culture or even in the purpose and strategy of an organisation.

So what is it about leaf blowers that are so painful to be around?

Human beings are conditioned to present well - the fear of being vulnerable by being open and honest can prevent true conversations and real information from emerging to help steer the business. Walking past how things really are or what really matters to us is dangerous for personal and team health…. it’s called masking. Masking is also stressful as it creates a false position that causes dissonance, and it is exhausting to live with.