Leadership is an ongoing balancing act of caring deeply about what matters while letting go of what doesn’t.
It’s about building a culture that fosters growth, risk-taking, and connection — one where mistakes are a part of the journey, not a reason for blame.
In any organization, people need clarity. Whether it’s about the decision-making process or knowing that their value isn’t tied to perfection, clarity builds confidence. One of the most damaging things leaders can do is create a culture where mistakes equate to failure. If every decision feels like stepping into a minefield, people will stop stepping altogether. They’ll avoid risks, stifle their creativity, and ultimately disengage.
Instead, I’ve always believed — and this holds true for all the roles I take on in my life — that people don’t “get fired” for making mistakes. They get fired for not caring. A mistake made in earnest, with the best of intentions, can lead to growth. But when someone makes a mistake because they don’t give a damn? That’s a different story. I can tolerate a lot, but indifference? That gets under my skin every time.
This brings me to an interesting idea I’ve come across in leadership: the subtle art of not giving a f*ck. It’s the subject of a great book by blogger Mark Manson. Now, before you roll your eyes or think this is about indifference, let me clarify. It’s not about not caring. It’s about being deliberate about what you care about.
We all have a limited number of f*cks to giveon any given day. Just like we have a limited number of hours in a day or weeks in our lives … our energy is finite. Leadership means paying attention to where you invest your energy — and helping your team do the same. A culture of caring isn’t about spreading yourself thin trying to care about everything; it’s about focusing on what truly matters to the individual and to the team.
This prioritization isn’t just for leaders. It’s for everyone. If you’re a team member feeling disengaged, I’d much rather you come to me and say, “Hey, I’m struggling to care about this right now. What can we do to realign?” rather than silently quitting or checking out entirely. Those honest conversations aren’t just beneficial — they’re necessary.
We also need to embrace the idea that it’s OK to be different. The subtle art of not giving a f*ck teaches us that it’s not about indifference but about being comfortable with difference. A thriving culture doesn’t ask people to be the same; it encourages them to bring their unique perspectives, talents, and quirks to the table.
As kids, we’re taught to celebrate being different. But somewhere along the way, as adults, we start believing we need to conform, to blend in, to fall in line. Leadership has to challenge this mindset. A culture of caring doesn’t mean we all agree — it means we value the diversity of thought, the calculated risks, and yes, even the occasional mistake.
So, here’s the challenge for all of us: Build a culture where people care deeply about what truly matters. Create an environment where mistakes made with good intentions are stepping stones, not landmines. And most importantly, help your team — and yourself —focus your energy on the things that make a difference.
Because in the end, leadership isn’t just about results. It’s about people. And when people care, amazing things happen.
Mistakes happen. Indifference is the real enemy, says our publisher Shawn Brook. Build a culture where caring is non-negotiable, and where mistakes made with heart can actually lead to innovation.
