What Leaders Can Learn From My Birthday

What Leaders Can Learn From My Birthday

It’s my birthday month, and naturally, I assume you’ve all already picked out gifts for me. If not, don’t worry—you still have time! I graciously accept anything that’s well-wrapped, thoughtful, and perhaps fun (just kidding… kind of).

Seriously though, birthdays aren’t just about cake and presents; they’re also a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the idea of giving and receiving—and how these lessons apply to leadership.

Birthdays are funny, aren’t they? There’s this unspoken expectation that the day should be all about us, but in reality, the most memorable birthdays are those where we feel connected to the people around us, not just celebrated. It’s the thoughtful gifts, kind words, and even acts of service that make us realize how much we’re valued. That’s where the leadership metaphor begins: good leadership, like a meaningful birthday gift, is less about grand gestures and more about thoughtful, consistent contributions to the lives of others.

Leadership Lesson 1: See the Gifts

Before you can lead effectively, you must first recognize the unique “gifts” that your team members bring to the table. It’s easy to overlook the strengths, talents, and perspectives of others in the hustle of daily operations. But leadership requires intentionality—taking the time to “unwrap” the potential of each person on your team.

In the same way, a beautifully wrapped gift begs to be opened; your team’s talents need to be noticed and appreciated. Are you looking for the hidden strengths that could propel your team to the next level? Are you acknowledging and celebrating the value they bring? Leadership begins by recognizing the gifts that already exist within your people.

Leadership Lesson 2: Open the Gifts

Once you recognize someone’s strengths, the next step is to help them develop and use those strengths. A gift left unopened is just a box of potential—what makes it meaningful is when it’s actively used and appreciated. As a leader, your role is to create opportunities for others to “open” their gifts and use them in ways that bring value to the team and organization.

This might mean giving someone the chance to lead a project, providing them with new training, or simply offering meaningful feedback that helps them grow. Great leaders don’t just recognize potential; they help unleash it.

Leadership Lesson 3: Use the Gifts

It’s not enough to recognize potential or even provide opportunities—you must create a culture where those strengths are actively put to use. Think about it: how many times have you received a gift only to tuck it away in a closet, unused and forgotten? The same can happen in teams when strengths go unutilized or underappreciated.

When you empower people to use their talents, you increase their confidence and engagement. You also elevate the entire team’s performance. The best leaders ensure that everyone’s gifts are used to their fullest potential, creating a symphony of collaboration, innovation, and progress.

Leadership Lesson 4: Giving Without Expectation

Perhaps the most profound lesson of all is the spirit of giving itself. Leadership isn’t transactional—it’s transformational. When you give your time, energy, and resources to your team without expecting something in return, you build trust and loyalty. People remember how you made them feel, not just what you did.

Much like receiving a thoughtful gift, the act of giving as a leader has the power to create a lasting impact. A kind word, a listening ear, or an extra effort to support someone’s growth can resonate far beyond the immediate moment.

Wrapping it Up

Birthdays remind us of the joy that comes from giving and receiving. As a leader, your job is to see, open, and use the gifts within your team—and to give generously of your time, encouragement, and effort. So, whether you’re celebrating your birthday this month or not, take a moment to reflect on the “gifts” in your leadership journey.

And if you’re still thinking about my birthday gift, remember: the best ones are thoughtful, useful, and full of purpose—just like great leadership.