Leading With Dust in Your Eyes
Five Lessons for Leaders in the Middle of the Mess
You didn’t build this house—but you’re living in it now.
You’ve been handed the keys, given the deed, and asked to manage not only the day-to-day, but also a long-overdue renovation. And one more thing: the family never moved out. They’re still here, living in every room, watching you with cautious hope, wondering if you’re going to fix what’s broken—or break what they’ve learned to live with.
“ReLeaders don’t get clean slates. They get inherited spaces—with cracked foundations, outdated layouts, and people still trying to make it home.”
This is what it means to ReLead.
It’s not a fresh start. It’s not new construction. It’s an inherited space—filled with history, stories, mistakes, traditions, and good intentions. Some parts are beautiful. Others are brittle. And now it’s your responsibility to assess what’s worth keeping, restore what’s broken, and reimagine what could be… without kicking everyone out in the process.
Renovation requires a different kind of leadership. Not louder. Not flashier. But more patient. More strategic. More human.
You don’t get to gut the whole house. You have to work in phases. One room at a time. One system at a time. One day at a time. The temptation to rush will be strong—especially when you see how much needs to be fixed. But sprinting through a renovation only creates more damage. Good ReLeaders learn to breathe in the dust, stay present, and trust that slow is sustainable.
“Cosmetic upgrades are tempting. But real change is behind the walls.”
And you don’t tear down what’s solid. Sure, the wallpaper may be dated. The layout might feel clunky. But underneath the surface might be a foundation worth building on. Don’t rip out what just needs a little attention.
Some things, though, will have to go. You’ll open a wall and find rot. You’ll inspect a ceiling and realize it’s sagging. Some programs, departments, or deeply embedded habits will need to be sealed off. Not out of frustration—but out of wisdom. You’re protecting the whole house, even if it means closing off a few rooms.
And while you do all this, people will still be living in it. Which means there will be dust. Noise. Discomfort. Not everyone will love the mess. Some will sneeze. Some will leave. Some will complain that it used to feel “more like home.” That’s okay. That’s part of it. Dust is proof you’re doing something.
“The only way to avoid dust is to avoid progress.”
And you’re not doing it alone—unless you try to. You’re not the electrician. Or the plumber. Or the HVAC specialist. You’re the ReLeader. You carry the vision, but you need others to carry the tools. Build your crew. Trust your team. Don’t try to hold the whole house on your own shoulders.
At some point, it’s going to feel like too much. You’ll wonder if it’s worth it. If the house can ever feel whole again. Before you walk out the front door, remember this:
🧱 5 Things to Remember During the Remodel
1. Not everything needs to be torn down.
Look deeper before you demo. Some things are more solid than they appear.
2. Renovate in phases.
You can’t fix it all at once. Progress needs time and space.
3. Style doesn’t equal structure.
Trendy doesn’t mean trustworthy. Reinforce the bones before the branding.
4. Dust means you’re working.
Discomfort is part of movement. Don't fear the mess.
5. Don’t remodel alone.
You weren’t meant to carry this house by yourself. Call in the crew.
You didn’t build the house. But you’ve been trusted to restore it.
So grab your hammer. Wipe the dust from your eyes. And keep going.
This house still has a future.
And you’re the one holding the vision.