Reality-Based Leadership

Recently I've been reminded of Post-Traumatic Growth and our ability to transform after some pretty difficult experiences. Many are wondering at this time in our history if we will recover, not just economically but as a team and as a nation. We have proven to be a resilient human race throughout history and studies. Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) suggest that not only we will recover, but we will demonstrate the immense human capacity for resiliency and growth. Cy calls for leaders to instill hope in their teams, calling for the ability to imagine many beautiful and positive outcomes so that we can emerge from the traumas of the past months as better humans and more cohesive teams. Leaders need to facilitate not just surviving, but profound growth that will fuel the creation of a better workplace. I have two assignments for you this week: #1. Sit down and spend time with the envisioning of many possible positive outcomes. #2. Find ways to commit to them without attachment.

On this past weekend from the 4th of July, I reflected a lot on Freedom - the ultimate pursuit for many.  I recount how Independence Day  changed in meaning to me and my family to become Interdependence Day. I call on all of you to reflect on how the ego coopts our accomplishments meant to bring us freedom and uses it to “imprison” us. Join in and learn why we can become prisoners of our own minds and how inquiry can regain mental freedom which fuels great leadership.

As leaders, we are being stretched to use get fluent in a variety of new competencies and this week, I will be going deep into the art of “Holding Space” in order to maximize the impact our current world can have on the evolution of you and your team.  On this episode I deliver an advanced lesson in going beyond ego in response to a trend in the questions being sent in, “How should I handle the tough conversations that need to happen at work?’  Leaders are looking for what to do and how to do it right when it comes to addressing the conversations happening in the world as they are brought to work.  Here’s the reality, jumping directly into action is premature.  Now is the time to ensure that many are being heard and that is at times uncomfortable. 

I believe resilience is one of the most important competencies we can develop as individuals and businesses if we want success, peace, and happiness. For businesses, it's about keeping people ready for what's next, preparing them with the skills & mindsets to tackle challenging circumstances. For individuals, it's about how you curate your life, build your networks, how you respond to disruption and uncertainty. And you'll love hearing my research on what the most resilient people had in common.

During stressful times or big change, have you noticed that it’s easier to get our feelings hurt, and we are quickly triggered by the actions or words of others? This is your ego in play! In this episode, we’re going to talk about how to respond when your feelings get hurt, which involves understanding our triggers, moving beyond judgment and setting boundaries. We’ll also talk about how negative thoughts and shaming can overtake our thinking. Loving this podcast? Please tell me what you think by dropping a rating and a review!

This week I am sharing a conversation I had on Facebook Live about resilience. I think many of us are learning a lot about ourselves since this pandemic started about our own resiliency and the resiliency of our team. I get asked all the time about how to teach teams how to be more resilient. I'll address all of this and more in this episode. Loving this podcast? I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a rating and a review.

This is a special episode I am reposting this week as it deserves to be heard again at this very difficult time in our country. It's a conversation with a great friend of mine in the HR world, Sarah Morgan of @thebuzzonhr. Her Leading in Color podcast, blog and #BlackBlogsMatter challenge are amazing and I appreciate her work to evolve HR practitioners and workplaces everywhere. The topic of our conversation is about a blog she wrote: "What's in an Ally?" and the 5 things that make you an ally and how to deal with tough issues surrounding diversity and inclusion at work. Resources: Blog: https://bit.ly/2k25yOG Book: We Can't Talk About That at Work: https://amzn.to/2kgevnK Book: Me and White Supremacy: https://amzn.to/2kgeEaM

This week, we’re going to a more vulnerable place. We’re going to talk about things or people in your life you are feeling resentment towards, or are feeling a large degree of frustration or annoyance with. Have you noticed this in yourself lately? You'll hear real experiences from my fans both in work and personal settings, and I'll share how to reframe your thinking and move forward. Have a question you want me to answer? Submit it anonymously here. 

Let’s talk about accountability. Do you think this is a taboo topic right now with your team or co-workers? Here’s the secret folks. We can cultivate accountability with our people AND show a lot of empathy. This episode is all about how to call our teams and co-workers to greatness in spite of what is happening in our world now. Remember: Reality is tough; Leadership is love. Loving this podcast? Leave me a rating and a review! I’d love to hear from you!

I have an important topic to cover this week that I think many of us are feeling right now or have felt at some point during this pandemic: anxiety. Most of us blow right by anxiety and right into behaviors, denying those feelings, or avoiding the work to process it. I'm going to challenge you to notice where anxiety has showed up in your life right now. Then I'll share how to better understand your anxiety and work through it. Have a question you want me to answer on an upcoming podcast? Submit it anonymously here: https://bit.ly/35jTfiX