Teaching Together

Where trust and talent meet

What a day.

This was one of those calendar-circle, memory-stamp, career-highlight kind of days. The kind where you get to walk into a big, bold, purpose-filled venue—not alone, but with a friend and teammate who’s as committed to this work as you are. A fellow leader, a long-time creative collaborator, and someone you just know is going to bring their A-game because they always do. It’s the kind of day where you’re energized before the coffee kicks in.

That’s what I felt stepping into a full-day retreat for one of the most visible, valuable nonprofits in our community. This group? They don’t just talk about making an impact—they live it. And this retreat was a rare, beautiful pause: a full-day investment in each other, in growth, in belonging, in vision.

Work friends are underrated

We don’t talk about it enough, but there’s something magical about being able to team-teach with someone you trust. Someone who knows how to run the room, who brings their own brilliant style and stories, and who lets you shine without hesitation. It’s lighthearted and natural—like good banter and good basketball. You feed off each other, and in doing so, you fuel the room.

The day started with a high-five in the parking lot (we literally pulled up at the same time), and the vibe stayed up from there. We brought the sneakers. We brought the energy. And we brought the kind of camaraderie that makes a long day feel like an instant.

Throughout the sessions, there were those small moments that meant everything. Handing off the mic with a grin. Backing each other up. Building momentum together. And when it came time for one of our favorite interactive games—let’s just say that rock-paper-scissors has never looked so rowdy and joyful. I ended up standing on a chair to film the action. That's how good it got.

This team was all in

And let’s be clear: none of this would have worked if the group we were teaching hadn’t shown up so fully. Every leader in that room brought their whole heart and energy. From the very first session, it was obvious—this wasn’t just a training day. It was a rally. It was a recommitment. It was game day energy from a small-but-mighty team determined to keep showing up for each other and the people they serve.

One of the most powerful moments of the day came when a fellow community leader—someone I’ve admired for a long time—took the mic and gave an incredible talk about what it takes to lead when the stakes are high and the resources are lean. She spoke with the kind of clarity that only comes from lived experience. And she reminded every person in the room: this is what it means to win together.

And then the day just kept rising. One of their own stepped up—a trusted team member turned facilitator—and led a powerful session on belonging. There wasn’t a single moment that felt performative. It was genuine. Grounded. Transformative.

OK, Let’s Play
Because leadership isn’t a solo act—it’s a shared rhythm.

Ready: Think about a colleague or peer you trust deeply. When was the last time you truly collaborated—not just divided tasks, but taught, facilitated, or led something together?

Set: Now imagine how much more powerful your impact could be if you created space to teach together intentionally. Trust builds momentum.

Go:

• Identify a partnership where you can share the stage—literally or figuratively.
• Choose a space that invites the energy you want to create, not just one that fits the group.
• Use joy and play to invite people in—it’s more effective than pressure.
• Let your leadership be loud enough to encourage others, not outshine them.

Lift Others Up

One of the best parts about this day was the reminder that when you really believe in someone else’s brilliance—and they believe in yours—you both level up. My co-facilitator that day is someone I’ve watched lead through incredible challenges with creativity, grace, and determination. Over the years, we’ve supported each other from afar, caught up when we could, and shared encouragement in moments of stuckness. But nothing beats being in the room together.

What we brought to that team retreat wasn’t just a program. It was a mirror—showing them what shared trust, respect, and joy in the work can look like. And in return, they reflected that right back at us.

The retreat reminded me that leaders don’t always lead from the front. Sometimes, we lead best when we create space beside us. When we invite others to the mic. When we choose to teach together.

Because the real win isn’t just delivering a great session. The real win is when every person in the room leaves knowing: I’m not doing this alone.
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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!