How are you leading?
It’s a big question these days as we navigate the uncharted waters of COVID-19. Many believe we need to be confident, positive and directive, especially given the amount of change we’re facing daily.
It’s a good combination, until it’s not.
Sometimes, you are uncertain too. It makes you human. Sometimes, you’re challenged and it’s hard. That doesn’t mean you’re not confident. In that moment, it means you’re human. Your vulnerability makes you accessible to each of us struggling with you. It also becomes a call to action, because when our leaders are real, we connect in a profound way.
Authentic leadership means we lead with openness, honesty and vulnerability. It requires rigorous truth–telling fueled by genuine emotional intelligence.
Intentional leadership is a balance of creating clarity, evoking action, and exuding confidence with the full expression of your humanity.
Have you stepped back to assess all that you’ve accomplished during this crisis? If not, take a minute and write it down for yourself. Share with your team and your family all you’ve done since the crisis impacted you.
It’s pretty amazing when you think of all you’ve responded to, all you’ve solved, fought for, rearranged, restructured, created and completed, isn’t it?
While you’re busy worrying about all that’s happening now and what could happen in the future, please remember to pause long enough to appreciate all you’ve done.
During crisis, everything seems to happen with a highlighter or an amplifier on it, while the clock is ticking to learn more, change things, and work differently.
Some things will never return to the way they were, and that is to be celebrated.
Congratulations! You’re making it happen. It’s imperfect, and it’s amazing.
Remember to pause and appreciate all you have done. It’s incredible.