097: Leading With Gratitude, Mitigating Anxiety | Chester Elton

Chester Elton is one of the world’s leading authorities on leadership and culture having spoken in over 45 countries. He is a 7 time Wall Street Journal Best Seller a 5 Times New York Times Best Seller. He is part of the Marshall Goldsmith 100 and the King of Gratitude. Chester shares his personal journey that led to the writing of his recent books, “Anxiety at Work and “Leading with Gratitude”
One of the key strategies to deal with anxiety at work is to maximise our ability to be grateful as we can’t hold two emotions simultaneously.
Anxiety is a huge problems for all leaders. Pre pandemic figures recorded 18% of employees stated they were experiencing anxiety issues that prevented them working properly. After the pandemic that figure rose to 30%. And in those employees in their 20’s and 30’s that figure jumps to 42%. The stigma re mental health is still a prevailing issue.
Chester shares his rule of three in dealing with anxiety: Firstly normalise the conversation, secondly, de-stigmatise the issue and thirdly use empathy not sympathy. Chester shares the powerful difference between sympathy and empathy and the impact each will have.
We also discuss the question as to whether as humans we are anti-fragile? The answer may surprise you.
In relation to gratitude Chester explains how top athletes have managed to tame their inner critic and all have positive mantras. We can all re-train our inner critic by asking ourselves what would our best friend say to us in this moment?
The power of gratitude is very real for all leaders. It is a discipline to be practiced as we engage peoples hearts and minds. As you lead, we must understand that you will say things to people that you will never remember but they will never forget. Be kind, be generous, be grateful. Next time you are with your family at the dinner table ask the following three questions to practice the skill:
1. What was the best part of your day?
2. Who are you grateful for who is not at the table?
3. Who are you grateful for at the table who has not been thanked yet?
This episode is compelling, enjoy every second.

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