Step 1: Tell your team how you’re feeling

I spend a lot of time in 1-1s listening to people’s feelings about the work and the team. My advice is often the same: tell the team what you just told me.

• If you’re worried you’re not carrying your weight, tell your team.
• If you’re stressed about getting stuff done on time, tell your team.
• If you’re sad to miss out on that cool project, tell your team.
• If you’re dreading retros, tell your team.
• If you’re lonely and isolated, tell your team.
• If you’re unsure whether you’re doing a good job leading, tell your team.

It works for nearly every situation. Kill your unexpressed emotions and tell your team what you’re feeling. That’s what teams are for.