If I can lead a teen to the sink, you can lead your team anywhere

The other day, I walked into the kitchen and saw a bowl, a spoon, and exactly three drops of milk left on the counter — like a still life called “Not My Problem.”

I called out, “Hey, can you put your dish in the sink?”

My 13-year-old daughter, without looking up from her phone, said:“I was going to.”

Which we both know is code for “I forgot, and now I’m annoyed you noticed.”

Now, I’ve led Fortune 100 teams. I’ve coached leaders through messy reorgs. 

But nothing — nothing — tests your leadership skills like a teenager and a cereal bowl.

So I tried something different.

No lecture. No sarcasm. Just:“Hey — I know you know this. But I need you to be the kind of person who makes life easier, not harder, for the people you live with.”

She gave me the Look™. 

But she picked up the bowl.

And I thought: Huh. That actually worked.

Whether you’re leading a teen or a team, the same principle applies:Clarity. Calm. A little bit of emotional judo.

If you want that kind of leadership on lock — I made you a guide.

It’s called The 10-Minute Leadership Playbook — and it shows you how to build trust, reduce fear, and lead like a pro in just 10 minutes.

Because real leadership isn’t about power — it’s about influence.And sometimes, that influence starts with a spoon. Cheers, Bailey 

P.S. Know someone trying to lead a cereal-spilling teen or a passive-aggressive team? Forward this to them. They'll thank you later.