October is here. The air is crisp, the leaves are full of colour, and sweaters have finally escaped the back of the closet. And then… the leaves start to fall. All of them. No drama, no fretting, just letting go.
If trees can “let go” so gracefully, perhaps we could take a page out of their book. Because let’s face it: most of us are still hanging onto projects, habits, or even meetings long past their prime. Maybe it’s time to try a little letting go.
Letting go isn’t giving up
We’ve all been there — holding onto a process or meeting because “we’ve always done it this way” or “what if we need it later?” Newsflash: sometimes we don’t.
Trees let go of leaves without worrying. Leaders can do the same with old projects, outdated processes, or habits that just weigh us down. The payoff? More energy for the stuff that actually matters.
Make room for renewal
Shedding leaves isn’t giving up — it’s smart. By letting go, trees conserve energy for the next season.
As leaders, maybe it’s pausing a project, shelving an initiative, or just giving your team (and yourself) a bit of breathing room. This isn’t quitting — it’s making space for better ideas, more creativity, and real focus.
Celebrate the endings
Autumn is a riot of colour before the leaves drop. Endings don’t have to be sad. When a project wraps up, take a moment to celebrate it. Thank the team. Share the lessons. Closing something intentionally makes room for what’s next — and it feels good doing it.
Let go of being the expert
You don’t need to have all the answers. Really.
Trust your team. Let them step in, shine, and make mistakes (that’s how we all learn). You’ll be surprised how much energy you free up — plus, someone else just might solve that problem you’ve been avoiding anyway.
Let go of perfection
Not every leaf falls perfectly. Some hang on too long, some blow off in a storm. And yet the forest thrives.
Leadership is messy too. Not every decision lands. Not every plan goes perfectly. Letting go of perfection frees you — and your team — to focus on progress instead of impossible standards.
Let go of old identities
Trees change with the season, and so can we.
Maybe you started out as the “hands-on do-er” but now your role requires you to step back, coach, or think bigger picture. Letting go of old ways doesn’t erase your experience — it lets you lead in the way your team needs right now.
Let go of busyness-as-a-badge-of-honour
Autumn naturally slows us down. The days get shorter, nights longer. Nature is giving you permission to do the same.
Stop celebrating “being busy” and start celebrating what actually moves the needle.
Doing less — but doing it well, is leadership at its finest.
A little humour (because why not?)
- If trees can survive without clinging to every leaf, maybe you can survive without that Tuesday 4:30pm meeting that’s been on your calendar since 2009.
- Nature doesn’t cling to outdated leaves… so why are you still holding on to that 47-tab spreadsheet?
- Leaves don’t hold performance reviews for each other before falling. Sometimes “done” is just… done.
A quick leadership checklist for October
- Review your calendar: what can be dropped or combined?
- Review your projects: which ones still add value, and which are just taking up space?
- Review your habits: which leadership behaviours once worked but don’t serve anyone anymore?
- Celebrate endings: honour a project, a milestone, or a team before moving on.
- Give yourself and your team space to breathe — seriously, you’ll all thank yourselves.
The takeaway
This month, take a cue from the leaves. Let go of what’s no longer serving you, your team, or your business. Let go of perfection, unnecessary meetings, old habits, and even the need to have all the answers. Leadership isn’t about adding more. Sometimes it’s about letting go — intentionally, thoughtfully, and with a little colour along the way.
Your October nudge: which “leaf” are you ready to drop this season?
Joanne Free-Pameli
Senior Advisor
