My musician friend Ken Bernstein told this story about a heartfelt holiday party discussion. One by one, people shared their aspirations for the coming year, and a theme emerged: “Let the light shine through me.” 

The Holiday Party Insight

This simple goal reflects an essential leadership truth: your light can brighten others, inspiring them to shine too. The beauty is in the ripple effect—one light illuminating another, and on and on.

Great leaders help everyone on their team find and shine their light. This fosters a culture where people feel valued, committed, and ready to contribute. 

And let’s be clear. Letting the light shine through you is not woo-woo; it’s practical and transformative. 

Leaders Putting the Power of Love to Work

Shining brightly is where the ABCs of love-powered leadership—the Amare Way—take center stage. When you lead with love, you inspire trust through your Authenticity. You create Belonging by honoring everyone’s unique contributions. You foster Collaboration that amplifies collective brilliance. Taken together, authenticity, belonging, and collaboration are a surefire recipe for tremendous success.

• What’s one way you could let your own light shine more authentically?

• How can you create more opportunities for others to shine their light?

5 Amare Steps to Let the Light Shine Through You

1. Be the mirror. Reflect back the strengths you see in your team members. Acknowledge their contributions and talents in specific, meaningful ways.

2. Share the spotlight. In your next meeting, let someone else take the lead on presenting or brainstorming. Show trust in their capabilities.

3. Create space for growth. Offer opportunities for your team to stretch beyond their comfort zones in supportive, low-risk environments.

4. Model vulnerability. Share your own aspirations and challenges honestly. When you show your humanity, you make it safe for others to shine authentically.

5. Practice self-reflection. Take five minutes at the end of each day to ask yourself: How did I let my light shine today? How did I help others do the same?

Your Light, Their Light, Our Light

When you let your light shine—not to outshine, but to illuminate—you unlock the potential in everyone around you. And that, my friend, is leadership at its brightest.

So, as you look ahead to the coming year, remember this: Let your light shine, let it guide, and let it create space for others to shine too. Because the world needs all of our lights to create something truly extraordinary.

Becoming a Better Leader

Are you willing to be all you can be as a leader? Consider starting 2025 with the gift of professional coaching. I have an opening in my Strong Start Leadership Coaching Program at the moment, and can refer to other amazing Amare-based coaches, too. Contact me for more info or to set up an initial complimentary session to make sure we’re a good fit.

Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote

“Just as one candle lights another and can light thousands of other candles, so one heart illuminates another heart and can illuminate thousands of other hearts.” 

—Leo Tolstoy, Russian novelist and author of War and Peace

Click here and read more Amare Wave Wednesday newsletters on related topics:

Embracing Openness and Love in Leadership: CEO Alan Mulally’s Path to “Working Together” Success

How to Balance Daily Tasks and Big Dreams: A  Leadership Lesson from a Powerful 17th Century Renaissance Man

One Microsoft: How Great Leaders Turn “Oneness” Initiatives Into Genuine Unity

How Chewy Turns Empathy into Profit: A Masterclass in Leading with Love

No Secrets: How Transparency Empowers Highly Successful Leadership