I grew up with the ad campaign Slip, Slop, Slap:
- Slip on a shirt
- Slop on some sunscreen
- Slap on a hat.
Since then, they’ve added two more:
- Seek shade
- Slide on some sunglasses.
It’s a sun-smart strategy. Still, there’s one step I’d love to miss… slop on some sunscreen. Yes, even with the non-greasy, easier to apply options today. It’s time consuming, and good luck trying to get it out of your clothes. If I wasn’t worried about skin cancer, I’d skip it.
Because it’s summer and the UV Index is extreme every day, I do it. But it only works if it’s applied correctly. The Cancer Council says many people don’t:
We often use too little of it, apply it unevenly or forget to reapply it.
That got me thinking about what I learned from interviewing Jim Kouzes about leadership. As he says, people know how to lead. They just don’t do it often enough.
So, here are some surprising leadership lessons from the sun-smart approach to slopping on some sunscreen.
The sunscreen strategy for better leadership
Apply frequently
Like sunscreen, leadership works best when you show up regularly. Little things—like checking in with your team or following through on promises—build the trust that underpins everything we do. It’s about what you do consistently and often, not the grand gestures.
Do it when you’d rather skip it
Sometimes leadership feels like applying sunscreen, something you’d (or at least I’d) rather skip. Maybe it’s that tough conversation you’ve been avoiding or the effort of giving regular feedback. But just like sunscreen, the things you’d rather put off often make the biggest difference. Doing them anyway—even when it feels uncomfortable—is essential for success.
Tailor your approach
Not every situation—or person—needs the same approach. Some people need space, others need hands-on guidance. Tailoring your leadership to meet your team members where they are—just like getting the right sunscreen for your skin type, complexion and activity—makes all the difference.
Do it quietly
Sunscreen, once applied, does its job in the background. We forget it’s there, while you’re protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Great leaders do the same. They let their team members get on with the job while staying present for guidance and support as they need.
Don’t forget the aftercare
After a long day in the sun, after-sun care soothes and restores. Leadership is no different. When your team has been through something big, like a high-pressure project or a challenging season, make sure they take the time they need to rest and recover. And don’t forget to acknowledge their effort and celebrate their wins.
Future proofing
Sunscreen isn’t just about today—it’s about protecting your future self. The same goes for great leadership. It’s why slopping the sunscreen strategy onto your leadership helps protect your team today while setting them up for success tomorrow.
Whenever you’re easing back into work after the summer break, remember to take a sun-smart approach to leadership:
- Show up frequently, even when it’s inconvenient.
- Tailor your approach to fit the moment and the individual.
- And don’t forget the aftercare—nobody performs at their best without rest.
Just like sunscreen, great leadership protects today and prepares for tomorrow.
