Have You Ever Had a Bad Day… Even When You Did Good Work?

Ever had a day where everything looked fine—but you still walked away feeling like you missed the mark?
That was me recently.

I delivered a workshop on How to Work with Complicated People—a topic every team, every leader, and every workplace needs. The content was solid. The examples were strong. The tools were relevant. I’ve given this workshop before and had people jumping into the conversation.

But this time… the energy just wasn’t there.

I asked questions. I tossed out scenarios. I opened the floor. And what I got back was a whole lot of silence and polite stares. Some pushback, a challenge I love. Some boredom, so it seemed. Maybe discomfort. Maybe exhaustion. Maybe culture. Maybe something else.

When I wrapped up, several people told me they got value from the session. They thanked me. And yet—I walked out feeling like I’d left something on the table.

And if you’ve ever led, taught, coached, sold, or presented anything—you know that feeling.

What I Realized on the Drive Home

I didn’t fail.
I also didn’t settle.

I reflected on three things:

1. Participation isn’t the only proof of impact.
Quiet people are often thinking deeply. They may not engage outwardly, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t hear it. I also realize that I don't impact everyone.

2. Leaders can’t control the room—but we can control what we bring to it.
Energy, clarity, encouragement, adaptability—those are choices. I showed up with those, and I’ll keep bringing them. I had a break during lunch and got through being hangry and geared up for the afternoon.

3. Growth doesn’t come from the perfect moments—it comes from the ones that stretch us.
This wasn’t a loss. It was a sharpened edge. It reminded me that there are always ways to improve.

How I’m Using It to Build the Rest of 2025—and Launch into 2026

That room reminded me of something important:
People don’t always know how to step into tough conversations… even when they desperately need them.

So here’s how this “quiet room” lit a fire under me:

• I’m doubling down on interaction tools that make it easy and safe to engage.

• I’m refining how I frame participation—sometimes people need permission, not pressure.

• I’m using this experience to customize even deeper for audiences who aren’t used to speaking up.

• And I’m carrying the lesson into the strongest last quarter I can build.

We’re heading into Q4, and 2026 isn’t a distant dot on the calendar—it’s right in front of us. The work we do now sets the tone.

Call to Action: Bring Your Team Into the Conversation at Live2Lead

If you, your team, organization, or leadership group struggles with engagement… if the room goes quiet when things get real… if the conversations you need aren’t happening—then Live2Lead is where that changes.

This isn’t a conference you attend.
It’s a catalyst you experience. It changed my trajectory when I attended my first one nine years ago.

International thought leaders. Local connection. Practical tools. Real conversations.
And a chance to energize your people before the new year… not after.

Don’t wait for 2026 to fix the culture. Build the momentum now. Click Here: Live2Lead
Join me at Live2Lead—and let’s turn quiet rooms into courageous ones.