OG Tuesday Issue #226

The Assist Newsletter
January 20, 2025
A smiling star character wearing sunglasses and sneakers on a pink background. The text reads, "I don't wait for confidence to show up; I bring it with me."

Today’s Checklist: 

  • MLK’s leadership style in today’s workplace
  • When work starts to feel like Groundhog Day
  • TA Reader Yvette on turning wrongs into rights

🤔 Riddle me this: I pass by, but never stop to stay. (Find the answer on the bottom).

QUICK LINKS

⏳ Get the most from the hours in your day in 2025.

🍽️ Simple tips to curb overeating and feel your best.

🚩 Spot red flags in relationships before they spark trouble.

🎙️ These podcasts can help you adult better.

LEADERSHIP

A colorful, stylized portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. centered between two yellow sun designs on a teal background. Raised fists in shades of pink and red surround the portrait, symbolizing unity and empowerment.

Speak Up! Lessons from MLK on Effective Leadership

 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. remains an unparalleled force who believed “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

He was also a prolific speaker, writer, and highly respected community leader who inspired millions over his 12+ years of Civil Rights activism.

But he didn’t simply demand a following.

He didn’t bully his way into a position of power.

He earned trust by effectively communicating his vision and a plan for how “WE” can get there.

In the 50s and 60s, his leadership style was considered unprecedented. But today, speaking up is a crucial component of success in the workplace.

Here are a few ways to apply the Dr. King approach to current-day leadership strategies:

1. Clarity of Vision

MLK Lesson: Dr. King’s speeches were anchored in a clear, compelling vision. The “why” was very apparent and kept everyone moving towards common goals.

Tip: People are motivated by understanding why. As a leader, always communicate the purpose behind decisions or initiatives.

Workplace Example: When launching a new project, ensure your team knows the overarching goals and how their specific piece of the puzzle gets the whole team closer to achieving them.

2. Adapt to Your Audience

MLK Lesson: Church congregations, political leaders, socialites, or small-town citizens — Dr. King was a master at tailoring his messages to resonate with diverse audiences.

Tip: Adjust your tone, language, and delivery style accordingly. Making the verbiage relatable to your listeners makes the material relevant and keeps them more engaged.

Workplace Example: Use differing communication methods depending on the setting, topic, and team dynamics.

3. Exercise Active Listening

MLK Lesson: Leadership wasn’t just about speaking to people – he also listened to understand and empowered many others along the way.

Tip: Leadership means navigating numerous personalities and motivations, but advocating for an inclusive environment gives each individual a voice.

Workplace Example: Always invite feedback to create opportunities for meaningful dialogue. You never know who the next innovative breakthrough will come from.

4. Call to Action

MLK Lesson: Dr. King’s speeches often concluded with actionable steps and rallying cries.

Tip: Always leave your audience with a clear action plan. When asking your team to ‘do,’ they should never be fuzzy on how or why.

Workplace Example: Summarize meetings with specific actions and expectations so your team feels confident in making decisions. Effective communication isn’t just about being heard — it’s about inspiring others to act.

LEADERSHIP TOOLKIT

An infographic titled "# Leadership Toolkit" on a pink background. It features icons representing management, project planning, finance, and operations, connected by lines. Additional visuals include gears, charts, and dollar signs, symbolizing tools and strategies for effective leadership.

Tools for Leaders (and Their Teams) Who Get Things Done

 

Leadership is about solving problems, not adding to them. Whether you’re managing teams, tracking goals, or juggling tight deadlines, you need tools that do more than look good—they work hard.

Here’s a lineup of platforms tailored to every kind of leader:

  • For Project Managers: monday.com: Turn chaos into clarity. Assign tasks, automate workflows, and keep projects moving seamlessly.
  • For CRM Pros: Zoho: Your all-in-one CRM, email, and project management solution for streamlined success.
  • For HR Leaders: Paychex: Make payroll and benefits stress-free—because happy teams build great companies.
  • For Finance Gurus: FreshBooks: Simplify finances. Manage invoices, track expenses, and focus on scaling your impact.
  • For HR and Operations: Rippling: From onboarding to payroll, this tool is HR efficiency at its finest.
  • For Resource Managers: Resource Guru: Effortlessly schedule your team’s time and resources—goodbye burnout.
  • For Team Communicators: Slack: Keep your team connected, from quick updates to big-picture strategy.
  • For Sales Leaders: Salesforce: Manage relationships, track sales, and turn data into decisions.
  • For Financial Operations: Bill.com: Automate financial processes so you can focus on scaling your vision.
  • For Business Owners: Squarespace: Build beautiful websites to showcase your brand, projects, or services effortlessly.

Leadership becomes simpler when you have the right tools to back you up. Have a tool you can’t live without? Reply to this email and share it with us.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE

A cute illustrated groundhog wearing glasses, typing on a laptop at a desk. The desk features a small plant and a notebook, with shelves and stationery in the background.

When Work Starts To Feel Like Groundhog Day, Flip The Page

 

One of our TA readers shared: “One of my biggest challenges is not having work feel like Groundhog Day for the team.”

After years in the same role, even the most passionate go-getters can feel like they’re running on fumes. The good news is you’ve already got the tools to help them reignite that spark and find their footing again. Here’s how you can fan the embers:

💭 Start with Reflection

Encourage your team to take a step back and think about what drew them to their role in the first place. Ask questions like:

  • What parts of your job still feel rewarding?
  • How have your goals or values changed over time?
  • What’s something you’ve accomplished here that you’re proud of?

Have these conversations during one-on-ones or team-building sessions. Creating space for this kind of reflection can help them rediscover their “why” and find new meaning in their work.

📈 Create Opportunities for Growth

Nobody likes feeling stuck in a rut 40 hours a week. Give your employees chances to grow by:

  • Offering training programs or paying for certifications.
  • Assigning them to stretch projects that push their skills.
  • Encouraging them to attend conferences or workshops.

Discuss their career goals during check-ins and see how you can support them. Showing you care about their growth goes a long way.

🧠 Help Them Shift Their Mindset

Sometimes, it’s all about perspective. Help your team see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Share examples from your own experience when you turned a tough situation into a win. Celebrate their victories — even the small ones — and remind them of the impact they’re making. Gratitude + positivity = motivation.

🤔 Ask the Right Questions

Go beyond the surface level with questions like:

  • What’s one bold idea you’ve been dying to try at work?
  • Is there a way to incorporate your personal interests or hobbies into your job?
  • What would you do if fear wasn’t holding you back?

These conversations can spark creativity and help employees see new possibilities in their roles.

Know When It’s Time to Pivot

Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, employees may realize their current role no longer aligns with their goals. And that’s okay, too!

Support them in making a graceful exit if that’s what’s best. Helping them move on with positivity shows you care about their long-term success, even if it’s not with your team.

WYNTER

A bold yellow and black graphic with the text "Wynter: Get paid for your feedback, become a research participant." Below is a black button labeled "Learn More," alongside an abstract design of a white mountain peak.

💵 Earn Up to $600/hr—Get Paid for Sharing Your Expertise!

 

Wynter is looking for senior HR, talent, and marketing leaders to review websites and marketing materials. Your feedback helps companies better connect with their audiences—and you get paid for it!

  • 💰 Fast Cash: Earn $20–$50 per survey in just 2–7 minutes.
  • Your Schedule: Participate only when it works for you.
  • 💡 Insider Knowledge: Stay ahead of industry trends while making an impact.

No commitments, no meetings—just answer a few short questions at your convenience. Companies rely on your insights, and now it’s your turn to get rewarded. Ready to turn your expertise into extra income?

Apply now >

SUBSCRIBER SPOTLIGHT

It’s Okay To Be Wrong…WHO KNEW??

 

“Don’t allow correction to make you bitter. Remember, whatever you learn and grow in is yours to keep. You get to take it with you if you apply it and do better in your next role.”

circle image of Yvette Campos (Sales Manager)

— Yvette Campos (Sales Manager)

⭐️ Share your best career advice here so we can share it in a future newsletter.

STAFF PICKS

Stuff We’re Loving This Week

 

🌸 Sugar scrub is worth every penny, but the added body butter really seals in the softness.

📏 The Smart Wifi Scale that turns tracking progress into a win.

🦈 Shield your online activity with Surfshark — secure, fast, and perfect for browsing without boundaries.

👁️ At-home luxurious lashes without the time and price tag of extensions.

JUST FOR FUN

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SPILL THE TEA

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⭐️ Answer to the riddle.

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