July 16, 2025: The 110% Club

I heard a great quote today.

“Leaders bring the weather. Your energy is the weather at your company.”
-Mel Robbins

Attitude sets the tone. Enthusiasm spreads fast, but a sour mood is just as contagious. How a leader operates trickles down to the entire organization.

It’s hard to stay grumpy in a workplace when the boss shows up buzzing with passion. Consistency matters. Not erratic swings, but a steadiness that inspires people to give their all.

The most memorable leaders in my life didn’t just manage workflow. They shaped the atmosphere. And two of my all-time favorites entered during my high school and college era.

Kathy Hayes ran camps for the Burlington Parks and Rec Department. I worked with her for several years, and she made every season a highlight reel.

She didn't hide in the admin office, but joined the chaos by playing games alongside the kids and checking in on the team, laughing with us, and treating staff like friends not subordinates.

Then came Mark Payne, my high school music teacher. Orchestra. Jazz. Marching band. He led them all with boundless energy and a sense of humor.

Before he showed up, our music program was forgettable. By the time he left, we were winning competitions and parading through DisneyWorld.

Optimism isn’t weakness, and the strongest mentors push hard by challenging people in a supportive culture. In place of using threats, they’re more prone to wild dares.

Kathy and Mark changed the weather.

When I think about it, true leadership is convincing people that giving 110% is a totally rational thing to do.