In this edition:
1 REMINDER
How to INTRODUCE it in your team
How to DEVELOP it
How to use RELATIONSHIPS to harness it
Something just for you COACH
WHY this matters
You are a light. Not because of your title, not because you’re perfect, and not because of anything you’ve accomplished. You’re a light because you show up. People depend on you to show up, on your light. You serve others, you encourage them. This can be exhausting. But no matter how tired you get, how dark the situation, or how “dim” you believe your light is, it still shines. Remember, a single candle can outshine a room full of darkness. Keep shining, everyday. Someone is counting on it.
- Coach Castillo
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine. Let shine.
Intro
The light of your leadership isn’t found in your title or trophies —
It’s evident in your presence.
Watch for one person this week who is:
Struggling silently
Unsure of their next step
Less confident than they need to be
Looking to someone who sees them
Then…
Be the light they can anchor to.
A warm word. A text of encouragement. A genuine question.
A moment that says “You matter.”
That’s leadership. That’s influence.
“The more light you allow within you the brighter the world you live in will be.” – Shakti Gawain
Workplace and team behaviors don’t exist in isolation — they create a cascading impact that spreads beyond the initial interaction to others across the network.
Develop
Every sunrise is a reset.
Every interaction is a choice.
To develop your light:
Start small. Stay steady. Keep showing up.
Here’s how:
Reflect each morning: What light will I shine today?
Choose one act of courage: Say something true. Serve someone else.
End your day with gratitude: How was I blessed today? Who impacted me?
Light grows when it’s shared — not guarded.
A wise coach recently told me that the best question we can ask ourselves each day is, “Who am I impacting right now?”
“Simply shine your light on the road ahead, and you are helping others to see their way out of darkness.” – Katrina Mayer
A leader’s emotions significantly affect their team because people automatically absorb and mimic the emotional state of others.
Relationships
We became who we are because someone once showed up for us.
Their light was our first compass, and we still carry it.
Notice how your light influences others:
Your patience teaches steadiness
Your empathy creates safety
Your encouragement builds confidence
Your consistency models integrity
People are watching. Even on ordinary days.
Your leadership is lighting someone’s path — whether you see, hear, and feel it or not.
“You playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightening about shrinking so others won’t feel insecure around you. As you let your own light shine, you indirectly give others permission to do the same.” – Marianne Williamson
In studies conducted by the University of California, when someone receives or observes an act of kindness, they are 278% more likely to pay it forward within the next hour.
Just For You Coach
Questions to reflect on this week:
Who showed light to you when you needed it most?
What leadership moment in your life still sparks light in others?
Where have you dimmed your light instead of shining it? Why?
What is one simple way you can shine intentionally today?
“Ours is the responsibility to keep our lights bright for others to see and follow.” – Thomas S. Monson
When people believe their actions help others: Perceived positive impact increases creativity and innovative behavior at work and in teams.
Why This Matters
Leadership isn’t performance —
It’s presence.
Servant leadership doesn’t burn out —
It spreads.
Every conversation, every act of patience, every moment you choose encouragement over criticism — it’s a light given.
And every light given:
Makes someone feel seen
Makes someone feel known
Helps someone believe they can show up again
Makes the world just a little brighter
Your everyday leadership matters. People don’t just notice it — they become because of it.
It’s been a tough few weeks. Family flu, weird health issues, hospitalized parents just to start. But God has always had a way of winking at me and speaking to me regardless of circumstances. Late last night my little boy walked his friend home armed only with a tiny flash light. He’s deathly afraid of the dark. I mean the real dark, out in the country where there’s no light pollution. We’ve had coyotes out lately so before he headed back I went outside to watch for him. I saw his little light bouncing in the dark. He started out calm enough, but as he got farther from their house and into the darkest part of the field, his light gained speed and bounced erratically. As he got closer I could hear him breathing hard and saying, “I’m almost there,” He was scared. Instead of going to him, I simply called out, “I’m right here buddy.” The light’s movement slowed down. As he now walked up to the house he was calm and relieved, and a memory of mine was triggered. Christmas Eve 2010 Candice and I had just put the girls to bed so Santa could visit. The previous year I was a widower trying to make the best of Christmas for my daughters. It’s amazing what light can enter our lives in a year. As I now stomped around the attic ho-ho-ho-ing and jingling bell-ing, in hopes my girls would hear and create even more wonder for them, I could feel the gentle whisper of God telling me, “See, I was always right there with you.” Though I couldn’t see him at the time, just as my boy couldn’t see me. Looking up I realized my light still shone, but his had been at my feet illuminating my path. I knew I still had purpose when I heard his voice, my son knew he was going to be ok when he heard mine. Keep shining no matter how dark things may be for you right now, you have a calling.
Do you know a coach or friend who’d enjoy this newsletter? Pass it along! Send me an email at [email protected] and I’ll send you a highly effective teammate connection assessment tool!
Coach Castillo’s Challenge of The Week: Write a short note or send a message to three people who’ve been lights to you — past or present. Tell them specifically how they helped you shine. Next, reflect on this question, “Who are 3 people that need my light in their life right now?” Go shine your brightest.
Lead, Live, Play Beautiful
Have A Blessed Week,
