The Leader's Journey Podcast

Defined and Connected

Jul 27, 2024

Emotional maturity in leadership is explored through the balance of being defined and connected. The conversation uncovers how articulating core values fosters empathy and meaningful relationships, even in disagreements. Listeners are encouraged to assess their own patterns of self-definition versus connection, learning from historical examples like the Civil Rights Movement and Jesus' teachings. Practical examples illustrate the importance of integrity and accountability, creating a roadmap for healthier interactions and personal growth.

39:59

Creator website

AI Summary

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Being defined involves articulating personal beliefs and values, which fosters integrity and strengthens relational dynamics with others.

Effective connection emphasizes deep listening and empathy, allowing for meaningful relationships even amidst differing perspectives and disagreements.

Deep dives

The Importance of Being Defined

Being defined involves expressing one's beliefs, values, and intentions through both words and actions. This self-definition allows individuals to clearly communicate who they are and what they stand for, creating a solid foundation for personal integrity. However, defining oneself is often complicated by the anxiety that arises when others hold different views. The process requires not only clarity in one's own beliefs but also the acceptance of others' right to define themselves, which enhances relational dynamics.

Honor Convictions Without Dehumanization

01:00

Commitment Fosters Growth

01:00

Intro

2min

Defining Connection in Leadership

14min

Balancing Self-Definition and Connection

13min

Exploring Biblical Reflections on Identity and Connection

3min

Defining Identity in the Civil Rights Movement

5min

Integrating Science and Theology in Leadership

3min

We know that our lives and our leadership flourish when we practice showing up in emotionally mature ways but we don’t always know what that looks like practically. After thinking together about emotional maturity for more than 20 years, we believe that it looks like practicing being both defined and connected as a way of life.

In this podcast, we talk about defining ourselves, letting others define themselves, staying appropriately connected . . . and then we look at the “and” that holds them all together. It’s a little bit like patting your head and rubbing your tummy–trying to do both things at once is a challenge! We think it’s worth it, though. We hope you’ll join us to look at how the concept of being defined and connected shows up in your life and how you can use it as a framework to think through some of your stickiest problems.

Conversation overview:

Defining ourselves by clearly and courageously saying what is so for us
Allowing (and even inviting) others to define themselves
Staying appropriately connected and honoring our relationships with others even if they see things differently
Connecting by listening rather than convincing
Disagreeing without dehumanizing each other
Looking at your patterns: Do you give up defining yourself in order to preserve the connection? Do you define yourself but let go of the connection?
Examples of practice
A visual representation

Resources:

How did Jesus deal with Conflict ?

Growing Yourself Up by Jenny Brown