Reader did you watch the Kentucy Derby?

Friday is a bit of a holiday in Louisville, so I spent part of the day with my hands in the soil of my front flower garden.

I March I spent a day clearing out dead leaves and weeds, as my spring bulbs started pushing through the ground.

I also added a new layer of mulch.

It has been a glorious bed of blooms throughout April.

Yet despite the deep cover of mulch, weeds were showing up: wild violets, dandelions, clover, wild strawberry, maple seedlings, and red bud seedlings.

I knew it was time to take action.

Weeds are problematic because they rob my planted flowers of essential nutrients and water.

If allowed to grow unchecked, they quickly multiply and choke out the plants I've selected for the bed.

Tending weeds is a great analogy for the recent warnings in the Gallup 2025 State or the Global Workplace report, which warns:

Just like the weeds in my flower bed, disengagement comes in several types, but at the core, all share negative thoughts and attitudes.

Negativity fuels an ongoing cycle of negativity that spreads and grows, sucking the life out of employees until they are no longer thriving.

This makes it critical for leaders to tend the "weeds" of negativity instead of ignoring them.

Here's a simple fix for weeding negativity out of people's daily experience at work: See Something, Say Something

1. Set an alarm for three times during the workday.
2. When the alarm sounds, pause to notice someone nearby doing something right. (Helping a co-worker, doing a task well, spreading cheer, etc.
3. Focus on the person and state your appreciation for their action: "I saw you doing [specific behavior], and I appreciate it because [specific impact]."

By pumping up the positive exchanges in peoples daily team experiences, you create conditions that make it much harder for negative weeds to take root.

And you lead by example, creating a subconscious signal to notice positive behaviors in others and associate value with the experience.

Appreciation is the first element of my new 5-point STAR TREATMENT leadership method, a six-month leadership development program that empowers you to actively engage with your employees in a way that’s radically different from anything you’ve done before—creating genuine connections, boosting morale, and driving long-term success.

Reader the costly deficit in manager training and development could become catastrophic if you continue to ignore the needs or managers to have simple and effective ways to increase their competence.

Just say yes, and let's explore if this targeted development program is right for you.

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Join me this week for these live episodes

Episode 30 live stream available through LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube​

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The Story I’m Telling Myself is for anyone who wants to overcome the limitations of self-doubt and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Through candid conversations, you'll discover:

• The hidden costs of listening to your inner critic: How fear and doubt sabotage your confidence, happiness, and success.
• Transformational strategies for silencing the negative voice: Learn how to overcome self-doubt, embrace vulnerability, and step into your true potential.
• The power of a mindset shift: Discover how changing your internal dialogue can lead to extraordinary results.

Real-life stories of courage and resilience: Gain inspiration from everyday people who overcame their negative self-talk to live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

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