We're diving into questions from developing leaders, and this week's hits close to home for many: "How do I prepare myself to be ready for the busiest season, and keep my team energized?" It's a great question because fiscal calendars and holiday rushes often conspire against us, bringing both high activity and intense pressure to perform.

Breaking down what you can do, we emphasize knowing your business flow and anticipating challenges. Build a proactive weekly plan now, even if it's just notes, to review when things get crazy. Next, keep your team informedthrough consistent communication. Role clarity and continual feedback are paramount when doing more with less. Finally, celebrate, recognize, and reward every success, big or small. Acknowledge their efforts, appreciate their hard work, and watch your team stay energized and engaged through the peak season.

Leadership is more than the words you say or the actions you take. It's a way of living that shows up in every choice you make and every person you influence. Choosing to lead is only the beginning. Real success happens when others choose to follow you, and that requires more than just a title. It takes self-awareness, consistency, and a willingness to grow. The first and toughest person to influence is always yourself. Effective leadership starts by looking in the mirror: are you modeling what you believe in everything you do?

The point of asking yourself these questions isn't to belittle yourself; it's a challenge to ensure you're giving your best. When you recognize you've fallen short, you need to accept your imperfections, seek to remedy them through learning, and move forward. Take time regularly to reflect on your leadership and the impact you are having on the people you serve. Be honest with yourself about the opportunities you missed or the moments you went in the wrong direction. This honesty is key: it allows you to identify what went wrong, take corrective action, and learn for the future. This is how we get better.

The iPad line-up is more confusing than ever. Do you need the latest iPad Pro power, or is the new A16 base model iPadenough?

As a long-time iPad user, I decided to put the affordable A16 model through my daily workflow to see how it holds up against the pricey Air and Pro.

I tested everything from the feel and thickness to the best third-party keyboard and Pencil accessories. The verdict? The $299 A16 iPad is a fantastic device and an outstanding value for most users.

Read my full, honest comparison to find out if the base iPad is truly all the tablet you need—or if your workflow demands an upgrade.