Jacqui d'Eon - Blog #mentorshipJacqui d'Eon - Blog #mentorshiphttps://www.jacquideon.com/blog/tag/mentorshipSun, 10 May 2026 07:33:57 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[New Year, New Role? 4 Tips for Starting on the Right Foot]]>https://www.jacquideon.com/blog/post/navigating-leadershipIf the New Year has you taking on a new role, you need to know that it’s not all in the title. It is a fundamental shift.]]>
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If the New Year has you taking on a new role, you need to know that it’s not all in the title. It is a fundamental shift.

It can feel exhilarating one minute and completely overwhelming the next.

Here are some tips to get you moving forward in the right direction. 

1. Know your biggest challenges 

As you step into leadership, a few challenges tend to show up on repeat. 
  • Navigating the shift from peer to leader without losing trust or trying to be “everyone’s friend”.
  • Setting realistic priorities so you do not overcommit and burn out trying to prove yourself.
  • Understanding the scope of your role and the ripple effects of your decisions on people, projects and culture.

2. Continue your growth

Leadership is a practice, not a personality trait. Staying curious and coachable keeps you effective and sane.
  • Work with a mentor, peer coach or leadership coach who offers perspective, feedback and a safe place to think out loud.
  • Commit to ongoing learning through courses, reading, podcasts or industry events to stay current on leadership skills and best practices.
  • Delegate thoughtfully so you can focus on what only you can do and give your team room to grow.
  • Invest time in building your team so that strengths are clear and work is balanced.
  • Develop your Emotional Quotient (EQ) so you can read a room, manage your reactions and handle conflict without dodging it.

3. Avoid common mistakes

A few missteps can make leadership feel much harder than it needs to. Do not: 
  • try to do it all yourself; overextending is a fast track to exhaustion and resentment
  • avoid difficult conversations; delayed feedback usually becomes a bigger problem later
  • drift away from the culture and values; they are the glue that keeps people aligned and motivated

4. Chart your course

You will never have total control at work, but you can choose how you lead.
  • Be clear on how your performance will be measured and valued, and what success means to you.
  • Set clear expectations so people know what success looks like and how decisions get made.
  • Create an environment where honest feedback is welcomed and safe, in all directions.
  • Protect your time to think, not just react, so you can make intentional choices and then follow through.

Enjoy the journey, keep learning, and give yourself credit as you grow into your full potential.

Need some help achieving your professional goals? Let’s talk.
]]>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:05:00 -0500<![CDATA[Reimagining the Weekly Team Meeting]]>https://www.jacquideon.com/blog/post/reimagining-the-weekly-team-meetingWeekly team meetings don’t have to be the routine check-ins that everyone dreads. In fact, when done right, they can become a powerful engine for team efficiency and morale.]]>
Female manager smiling and leading a team meeting.
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Weekly team meetings don’t have to be the routine check-ins that everyone dreads. In fact, when done right, they can become a powerful engine for team efficiency and morale. Yet, according to a Harvard Business Review study, 71% of senior managers view meetings as unproductive and inefficient. So how can you break this cycle and make your meetings something your team actually looks forward to?


The key is to reimagine your meetings as dynamic, interactive sessions that foster engagement and collaboration. Here are five practical ways to elevate your weekly team meetings and drive real results:


1. Start with Informal Conversations

Kick things off by breaking the ice. Spend the first few minutes chatting about something unrelated to work, like a favourite TV show, a recent vacation, or weekend plans. This simple ritual helps build camaraderie, puts everyone at ease, and sets a positive tone for the rest of the meeting.


2. Share Progress and Celebrate Milestones

Give each team member a chance to share recent achievements or progress. Recognizing accomplishments – big or small – not only keeps everyone informed but also cultivates a culture of appreciation and accountability. It’s a great way to motivate your team and highlight the impact of their work.


3. Address Questions and Challenges Together

Create a safe space for team members to voice any challenges or questions they’re facing. Use this time for collaborative problem-solving and brainstorming. When people feel supported and heard, they’re more likely to contribute ideas and solutions, strengthening team cohesion.


4. Realign with Team Goals and Vision

Take a moment to revisit your team’s objectives and long-term vision. This regular reminder reinforces a shared sense of purpose and ensures everyone stays aligned with the bigger picture. It’s an effective way to keep motivation high and priorities clear.


5. Clarify Action Items and Next Steps

Wrap up your meeting by summarizing key decisions, assigning responsibilities, and setting deadlines. Clear action items and follow-ups help ensure accountability and keep everyone moving in the same direction between meetings.


By weaving these elements into your weekly routine, your team meetings can become a cornerstone of engagement, growth, and collective success. Instead of a box to check off, they’ll become a valuable opportunity for connection, collaboration, and progress.


Lead from Within

Elevate your team meetings beyond a simple agenda. Transform them into meaningful moments that drive your team forward, together.

]]>Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:10:35 -0400<![CDATA[The Joy of Feedback]]>https://www.jacquideon.com/blog/post/the-joy-of-feedbackLet’s be honest, receiving feedback can feel uncomfortable. But with the right mindset, it can become not just fruitful, but even joyful.]]>
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Let’s be honest, receiving feedback can feel uncomfortable. But with the right mindset, it can become not just fruitful, but even joyful.


The reality is, most people hesitate to give feedback. They worry about how it will be received or if their perspective is welcome. Imagine, though, if you could create an environment where those fears disappeared. The conversations would be richer, more honest, and far more rewarding.


Here are six ways to make feedback discussions with you safe, productive, and even fun:


1. Be Openly Curious 

Show genuine interest in others’ perspectives. Focus on what you can learn, not just what you think you know. Curiosity invites openness.


2. Create Psychological Safety 

Accept feedback without judgment or defensiveness. Build trust by connecting on a personal level, learning who they are, and sharing more about yourself. Let them know how you might react in certain situations and that you value their input, regardless of your initial response. I like starting new working relationships with a frank conversation that turns into a "user's manual".


3. Ask Thoughtful Questions 

Use open-ended questions to invite reflection and deeper insight. Avoid yes/no questions to encourage others to share their reasoning and experiences.


4. Truly Listen 

Listening isn’t just hearing words, it’s paying attention to tone, body language, and intent. Listen to understand, not just to reply. Often, good listening leads to even better questions.


5. Pause and Reflect 

Don’t rush to respond. Take a moment - or even a day - to process feedback. Reflection helps you respond thoughtfully and make better decisions.


6. Express Gratitude 

Thank those who give you feedback. A simple, sincere acknowledgment builds trust and encourages future honesty.


By creating a safe space for feedback, you not only grow yourself but also inspire others to do the same. Embrace these steps, and you’ll find that feedback becomes a source of joy, not just for you, but for everyone involved.

]]>Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:22:29 -0400<![CDATA[It's a Balancing Act]]>https://www.jacquideon.com/blog/post/it-s-a-balancing-actGreat leadership is about mastering the art of balance - navigating between seemingly opposing approaches to achieve the best results.]]>
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Great leadership is about mastering the art of balance - navigating between seemingly opposing approaches to achieve the best results. Here are a few key areas where striking the right balance can make all the difference:

Ask Questions vs. Give Directions
No leader has all the answers. By asking thoughtful questions, you empower your team to think critically and uncover solutions together.

Build Connections vs. Focus on Efficiency
Taking time to understand your team members and build genuine relationships may seem like a trade-off against efficiency, but it’s an investment that fosters engagement, trust, and smoother collaboration in the long run.

Experiment vs. Maintain the Status Quo
Encouraging experimentation and embracing failures as learning opportunities creates a safe space for innovation - a hallmark of successful teams.

Celebrate Progress vs. Focus on End Goals
While keeping your eye on the ultimate goal, don’t forget to acknowledge daily wins and incremental progress. These moments of recognition fuel motivation and momentum.

Skill Development vs. Promotion
In today’s flatter organizations, promotions are less frequent. Leaders who prioritize skill-building and talent development help their team members future-proof their careers while driving long-term success for the organization.

Leaders who create a culture of learning, collaboration, and growth inspire loyalty and deliver superior results.
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