What's Your Shop?

The Shop That Shapes Leadership: Lessons from Building with Words and Wood

Leadership is about creating—whether you’re crafting a vision, building a culture, or empowering a team. For me, this realization came from reflecting on two shops: my dad’s woodworking shop and my own “shop” where I build messages, presentations, and videos.

The Art of Building: Two Different Shops, One Core Lesson

My dad’s shop was a place of artistry and precision. With patience and skill, he transformed raw materials into stunning furniture. Every board he cut, every joint he crafted, and every finish he applied spoke of his dedication and expertise. I grew up watching him work, longing to have his gift. I wanted my work to look like his. But there was a problem: woodworking requires patience and math—two things that don’t come naturally to me.

At first, I felt inadequate, wishing I could create the way he did. But then I realized something profound: my shop doesn’t have to look like his. I build too—just with different tools. Instead of wood, I use words. Instead of saws and chisels, I rely on speech and video. My shop creates ideas, forms them into presentations, and delivers them to leaders who need encouragement, clarity, and direction.

This shift in perspective not only transformed how I viewed myself but also how I lead and communicate. Leaders, here are five practical lessons from my journey to help you create and lead with greater impact:

1. Recognize Your Unique "Shop"

Every leader has a unique skill set, perspective, and “shop.” Yours may not look like someone else’s, and that’s okay. Spend time identifying your strengths and how you can leverage them to make an impact. Maybe your strength is strategy, relationship-building, or vision casting. Whatever it is, own it and build from there.

Action Step:

Take 10 minutes to write down your top three strengths as a leader. Reflect on how these strengths influence your work and your team. Then, identify one way you can use those strengths more intentionally this week.

2. Embrace Creativity in Leadership

Leadership is inherently creative. You’re not just solving problems; you’re shaping culture, setting vision, and influencing people. Like crafting a piece of furniture or a compelling message, creativity in leadership involves turning raw ideas into something meaningful.

Great leaders see possibilities where others see problems. They innovate, inspire, and find new ways to bring their team along the journey. Whether it’s rethinking a communication strategy, developing a new initiative, or shifting company culture, leadership is an art as much as it is a discipline.

Action Step:

Schedule a weekly “creativity hour” where you step away from routine tasks and focus on brainstorming new ideas for your team or organization. Use this time to explore new approaches, read about other industries, or simply let your mind wander.

3. Reframe Setbacks as Opportunities

For years, I saw my lack of woodworking skills as a failure. But when I reframed it, I realized I was still a builder—just in a different way. Similarly, leaders often face setbacks that feel like roadblocks. By shifting your perspective, you can see them as opportunities to pivot and innovate.

Some of the greatest leadership breakthroughs come from what first appears to be failure. The key is to ask, “What can I learn from this?” rather than, “Why did this happen to me?”

Action Step:

Next time you face a challenge, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this? How can I use it to grow?” Share this mindset with your team to foster resilience and encourage innovation.

4. Build with Others in Mind

Every piece of furniture my dad built was crafted with the end user in mind. He thought about how it would be used, who would use it, and what experience they would have with it. Likewise, as leaders, our work should prioritize the people we lead. Whether it’s a new initiative, a team structure, or a communication strategy, consider how it will serve your team and organization.

A leader’s job isn’t just to build something great but to ensure it positively impacts those they lead. When leaders prioritize their team’s needs, they create a culture of trust, engagement, and high performance.

Action Step:

Before making a major decision, ask your team for input. This not only builds trust but also ensures your choices align with their needs and aspirations.

5. Celebrate What You Build

Every time I walk past a piece of furniture my dad built, I smile. It’s a reminder of the work he poured into it and the legacy he left behind. Similarly, every time a leader tells me they learned something from my work, I feel fulfilled. As leaders, it’s crucial to celebrate our wins and the impact of our work.

It’s easy to move from one project to the next without pausing to appreciate what has been accomplished. But recognition fuels motivation, builds morale, and reminds everyone why their work matters.

Action Step:

At the end of each week, take a few moments to reflect on your team’s accomplishments. Share those wins with your team to inspire and motivate them.

Conclusion: Create Your Leadership Legacy

Like my dad’s woodworking and my shop of words, leadership is about creating something lasting. It’s about building people, shaping culture, and crafting a vision that inspires others to follow. Recognize your unique shop, embrace creativity, and focus on making an impact where you are.

You don’t have to lead like someone else. You don’t have to build like someone else. Your leadership journey is yours to create. Whether you’re crafting words, strategies, relationships, or visions, your work matters.

If you want to learn more about how to transform your leadership and communication, visit www.speakwithpeople.com or www.jasonraitz.com. Let’s build something extraordinary together.

By Jason Raitz - CEO, Speak with People  With over 25 years of experience, Jason has spoken from stages across the country, inspiring and motivating his audiences with stories, laughter, and practical tools to succeed. Book Jason for your next conference or workshop.