Shifting away from the drama a team has come through and resetting energy and perspectives toward a more positive future can be a challenge. Occasionally rehashing war stories to relish the bonds formed under pressure can be instructive if done to inform future actions. However, focusing on these times as a way to hold on to the connections formed can keep you (and those you lead) stuck in the past, failing to move forward.
Here's some simple advice on imbuing those connections with generative energy and repurposing them for the future you're working toward.
Are you a drama addict? Ask yourself whether anything in this video sounds familiar. If so, it may be time to get the monkey off your back. Becoming aware of your habits - especially those that keep you entangled in webs of drama - is a starting point for addressing how you may unknowingly contribute to an unhealthy environment.
There is a path to healing. Moving from conflict to reconciliation requires two main elements, but within each, there is real work to be done. In this video, I delve into what they are and why they are important. The critical takeaway to note is this: acknowledging a problem and how you contributed to it must be accompanied by a meaningful investment in a sustainable solution for a true reconciliation to exist.
What is servant leadership? Aside from it being my favorite approach to leadership, it is the truest form of responsibility to others and is in service of their growth. It builds trust by creating a culture of honesty, transparency, humility, empowerment, and support, and always has a collective goal as the North Star. In this short video learn why it’s so important in organizations today and how to make it a daily practice.
Trust allows us to feel secure and confident in our interactions with one another. It creates a foundation of safety and reliability, making it easier for us to open up, communicate, and collaborate effectively. It’s the key to intimacy and emotional connection, while in professional relationships, it’s essential for teamwork, productivity, and effective problem-solving. So when it’s in need of repair the challenges can be endless. Watch this video to learn the most important steps in the rebuilding process.
Many of us are paralyzed by the belief that there's a predetermined and perfect set of qualifications or tools needed before we can step into something new. I disagree! Getting started requires you to grant yourself permission and know that you have enough of what you need for those initial steps and whatever else is necessary can be obtained along the way.
The key to dismantling discomfort is to get curious about it. Most discomfort lives in the moments between actions - it’s where we can listen, feel and get more connected with ourselves. Instead of rushing through those moments and avoiding the discomfort, get curious and ask ourselves why? There’s so much to learn about ourselves and everything to gain.
Now that you’ve created a manifesto that solidifies, not only what you're good at, but what you care about the next step is making the decision to use it by declaring yourself a contribution. Put into action the impact you want to make in the world and in your daily life. Whether big or small, using the best of who you are in service of a higher purpose brings fulfillment to you and others.
Developing your personal manifesto is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself. Going through the process of claiming your identity, beliefs, and values, and weaving them all together creates a powerful framework that will guide your decisions and develop your unique path as you step into the world.
Personal manifestos are a great place to start if you are looking to create a narrative about who you are, what you value, and the contributions you have made through your work and activities. I prefer this to a standard resume, as it frees us up to speak in ways that are specific, comprehensive, and powerful. The story we tell about our life (so far) is much more compelling than a bullet point list of achievements and allows for our personality and unique combination of characteristics to shine.
Our pool of knowledge is developed and acquired through various channels and over a lifetime. Have you considered that the path through which knowledge comes to us can influence our willingness to adjust, refine or revise it? Ultimately, are you willing to accept that you may have it all wrong in order to correct and adjust your beliefs, and ultimately become “right”?
As this year-like-no-other draws to a close, I’ve reflected on some of the most consequential lessons learned and have been reminded of what matters the most. Some of the former are in this blog, along with thoughts to enter 2021 with a sense of purpose and intention. As for what matters, it’s been with me all along – like Dorothy’s ruby slippers – and it’s family, friends, and community. In that spirit, a huge thank you for being in conversation with me, for being my sources of inspiration, and for showing up as you do. Wishing you health and happiness this season and beyond.
Leaders are responsible for making countless decisions each day that impact the welfare and success of organizations, staff, and the general public. For this reason, it’s important for them to be able to take accountability for their actions (or inactions) that may result in negative consequences. At the heart of leadership is the acknowledgment of our humanity...and the ability to accept mistakes as learning moments (preferably quickly) and self-correct. In this most recent article, I contributed what I believe to be 1 of 15 important ways that leaders can be accountable for bad decisions.
Joanne Heyman is internationally recognized as a thought leader, innovator and key advisor within the pro-social sector. She is a highly sought-after coach, strategic advisor, lecturer, and facilitator. To engage her as a speaker or contributor to collective discourse, contact her team at info@heymanpartners.com.
© Heyman Partners 2023. All Rights Reserved.
Photography by Marcella Echavarria. Website Designed by iC.
