Let's LEAD - June 2020

Beginnings...

In the last couple of months, I've referred to this unprecedented time as a 'reset'...an opportunity for all of us to examine who we are, what we do and how we do it, and how we want to show up in ALL areas of our lives. Clearly, every new day presents this opportunity...

My reset has taken on an opportunity to begin again. For those of you who know me, you know that New Year's Day is my favorite holiday...it represents letting go of the past and welcoming what's possible in the future. This monthly newsletter is part of that new beginning. 

Now, you're probably thinking 'great, another newsletter to delete from my inbox.' I get it...I would think the same thing. If you want to opt out now, feel free...there's an opportunity to unsubscribe at the bottom of this message, and I promise I won't take it personally. However, if you're willing to stick with me, I would appreciate it. My primary intention is to be of service to you by providing valuable and relevant content.

These newsletters will include a fairly consistent format:

  • a '3 Tips' article; I'll introduce a relevant leadership topic, and include three tips that I hope you'll find helpful
  • recommended resources; these can be books, articles, podcasts, quotes, etc.
  • stuff I'm doing; I'll tell you about upcoming speaking engagements, program launches, etc.

So, let's LEAD!  

3 Tips: Leading through Crisis

Early in COVID-19, when organizations where just starting to get their footing around our 'new normal,' I attended a webinar featuring Brene Brown as the program guest. She was being interviewed on how organizations and their leaders need to show up very differently in times of crisis. 

She said something that really stuck with me...that crises shine a light on the 'cracks' and 'fault lines' (living in Southern California, I'm not lost on the earthquake references) in our organizations and leaders. These times ARE unprecedented...and if you're not noticing its impact on you and your team, you're not paying attention!

So, here are 3 tips to show up as an effective leader during a crisis:

  1. Communicate, communicate, communicate! In a recent article about leading others through a crisis, the author suggests that business leaders UNDERESTIMATE how much their employees look to them for information. Even if the answer is 'I don't know,' that's fine, and it should be followed up with '...and I'm willing to find the answer and I'll share with you what I can.' Remember...communicating isn't just about sharing information...it's about listening too!
  2. Notice your own 'cracks' and 'fault lines.' What are you noticing about how you are showing up as a leader? Like in tip #1, your team (and family, friends, etc.) are looking to you for leadership. They aren't looking for you to navigate crises and other change completely unscathed, AND you still set the tone. By noticing your own emotional responses, you CAN choose to respond differently by practicing emotional self-awareness and agility. 
  3. Acknowledge other's emotions. Got 10 employees? You're probably seeing 10 different levels of response to everything they're experiencing. As leaders, it's on US to adapt to the needs of our team members; during times of great change, up your game around checking in. Not everyone needs the same level of attention...part of your check-in should include asking team members to tell you what they need.

If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times...leadership isn't a role, it's a way of being. We show up as leaders in ALL areas of our lives, and how we lead during a crisis reveals a lot about our leadership strengths and opportunities to improve. Take note!

 

Cool Resources

Books I'm reading*:

Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life by Laura Gassner Otting

How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back Form Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

*I use Amazon links (no affiliate relationship); please check with your book retailer of choice

Articles I recommend:

How Leaders Nurture Emotional Well-Being During Times Of Crisis - Entrepreneur.com

Strategies for Thriving when Emotionally Hijacked - Smartbrief.com

Quote: 

'When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.' -- Viktor Frankel

Coming up...

Stay tuned...I'm in the process of developing a coaching peer group program for women in leadership. I'll be announcing more in the near future.
 

Connect with me...

I share great articles in LinkedIn from inspiring thought leaders on various leadership topics, especially on issues that are timely and relevant. Please connect with me!

If you're interested in scheduling a call to talk about how coaching can help you achieve your personal and professional goals, click here...I look forward to connecting!