Compassionate leadership begins with self-compassion!

Take a moment to  consider your energy level, mood and ability to focus.

How are you doing?

This year has added incredible challenges both at work and in our personal. We've been stretched in ways we never knew we could.

So many individuals, teams, and organizations have risen to the occasion like troupers! My guess is you are one of them. And I bet you are also tired. 

I hear that a lot lately. We've done well…but we are tired.

I hear you! I am tired too.

Effective leaders know that to be socially intelligent, they need to first take care of their own emotions!

​

• But I'm also angry. I was wearing a mask, before wearing a mask wasn't cool. I've been social distancing. I've done my part.

 

• Also, I'm sad, worried and anxious. Many of my loved ones are struggling with the mental strain. I hear it in their voices, and I see it in their eyes.

​

• And I'm scared. What if….

As a leader, we not only engage with the rainbow of emotions from our teams (Social Intelligence) we also have our own feelings, moods and emotions that we must manage (Emotional Intelligence).

In Emotional Control via Emotional Literacy, I teach you how to understand all of your emotions and that by naming them, you can tame them.

That's why it's essential I didn't just jump to gratitude (My # 2 VIA Signature Strength Character Strength) I need to name all of my emotions first: Anger, sadness, worry, anxiety and fear

We must name our emotions to tame our emotions!

• I am grateful I have the skills to manage my emotions and moods.

• I am grateful I have a loving husband to go through COVID with.

•  I am grateful my online coaching and training have increased with COVID.

That gratitude, along with my VIA Signature strengths of Hope and Spirituality, have been lifelines for me.
AND….I also get down.

✔️ I cry. 
✔️ I hurt. 
✔️ I fall apart. 

Then, I pick myself up and step back into leadership once again. 

Today I wanted to remind you that you don't always have to be strong, stable and stoic. In fact, you can't. Not if you're going to be at your best.

You must create space to feel in a safe environment.

How to create a safe space to feel your emotions

Go for a drive and scream and cry in your car.

Rant into your journal all that is unjust in your life.

Get out for a walk and let the anger seep out of you.

Lean into a friend or loved one and ask them to hold you.

Then, when the wave of hard emotions has passed, perhaps several waves, remind yourself of your strength, determination and capabilities.

​Say a little prayer… and step back into the world of leadership.

You can do it! I'm here cheering you on, and so are those that need you to be at your best!

Don't take so long next time to allow yourself to fall apart.
​
It's ok and in fact, a necessary part of leadership! If you don't create safe spaces to do that, you'll fall apart when it's not helpful for you or your team!