No Tricks, Just Treats: Lessons in Leadership from Halloween
Halloween might be all about costumes, candy, and spooky fun — but if you look a little closer, there are some surprisingly sweet lessons for leaders, teams, and organizations.
At Starfish Partnerships, we believe growth doesn’t have to be boring. And since this time of year is all about creativity and connection (and maybe a little sugar rush), let’s have some fun looking at what Halloween can teach us about working better together.
1. The Costume Isn’t the Character
Halloween costumes are fun — but in leadership and teamwork, it’s not about the mask you wear, it’s about who you are underneath.
Inauthentic leadership might look good for a while, but people eventually see through it.
Teams thrive when leaders show up as themselves (yes, even with flaws) instead of trying to play a part.
Starfish Takeaway: Ditch the mask. Lead with authenticity — it’s way more treat than trick.
2. Don’t Knock on the Wrong Doors
On Halloween night, you don’t waste time knocking on dark, empty houses. The same goes for your business and goals.
Focus your time and energy on opportunities that are actually open to you.
Stop chasing people, projects, or clients who clearly aren’t interested — you’ll get better “treats” by knocking where the lights are on.
Starfish Takeaway: Know where your energy is welcome, and focus there.
3. Everyone Brings Something to the Candy Bowl
Some houses give out chocolate bars. Some give lollipops. Some… hand out raisins (we’ll try not to judge).
In the same way, every person on your team brings different strengths, perspectives, and experiences.
Instead of expecting everyone to contribute in the same way, celebrate the variety.
The mix is what makes the “bowl” better.
Starfish Takeaway: Use tools like CliftonStrengths to discover and value what each person brings.
4. Beware the Energy Vampires 🧛♂️
You know the type — the ones who suck the fun (and energy) right out of a room.
In a team setting, negativity spreads fast.
Leaders have to be intentional about setting the tone and protecting team culture.
Starfish Takeaway: Keep your team’s energy healthy and high. Don’t let one vampire drain the whole group.
5. Share the Candy
On Halloween, it’s more fun when you swap candy and share with friends.
In leadership, collaboration and generosity build trust.
Hoarding ideas or opportunities only limits what’s possible.
Starfish Takeaway: Treat collaboration like your favorite candy — always worth sharing.
Final Thought
Whether you’re in a costume or just wearing your Monday morning coffee face, remember: leadership and teamwork are a lot like Halloween. The more fun you have, the more connection you build — and the better the “treats” you’ll collect along the way.
At Starfish Partnerships, we help leaders and teams skip the tricks and focus on the treats: authentic connection, clear communication, and a culture that people actually want to be part of. Let us know if we can help you and your staff team!
Now tell me — if your leadership style were a Halloween candy, what would it be?