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.
I’m a proud member of NationSwell, a national organization of leaders dedicated to service. The organization connects leaders of non-profits, foundations, companies as well as government officials and consultants, providing opportunities to learn from each other and increase our impact – individually and collectively. Their website is rich with content, and the gatherings feature inspiring speakers and concrete calls to action.
Research has shown that diversity in our workforce and teams reaps better quality results in organizations and communities. But we also know that diversity comes in many different forms. How can we be certain that we are pushing our boundaries and challenging our norms in reality and not just in name?
Another fun day in the studio with Pauline Brown and fellow guests, Kathryn Chalmers (CHANEL) and Regina Glocker (SHE Globl). We had a great conversation about games…yes, games! You know the ones you played when you were young. Believe it or not, games can reveal and revise what we think we know about ourselves and others.
I've discussed whether starting a nonprofit is the most effective way to achieve your goals and engage in mission-driven work (Cup of Jo: Should You Start A Nonprofit?). If that answer is 'YES' then you need to ensure you have these three crucial things in place when you start.
Susan McPherson and I crossed paths years ago when I worked at the Corporation of Yaddo, and I have delighted as I’ve witnessed her become one of the most passionate and thoughtful voices in corporate social responsibility, strategic communications, angel investing and women’s leadership. She is as generous as she is savvy, and in honor of Women’s History Month has highlighted a different amazing woman every day of March on her social media platforms, sharing stories of strength, smarts, and super-human impact. Take a peek, continue to follow her and follow her lead in being a champion of women!
When I was the Executive Director of the Urban Zen Foundation, I had the privilege of attending the inaugural Women Inspiration & Enterprise (WIE) conference co-founded by Dee Poku. Over the past ten years, Dee has built WIE into a powerful leadership network, and hosts must-attend lectures and gatherings for women who are hungry to learn from each other and to make a measurable impact in their world. Her mission and that of WIE: to increase the number of women who reach top leadership positions. She practices what she preaches, serving as a leader and advisor across multiple platforms and sectors.
I’ve become a big fan of Girls Leadership and love the programs and messaging. By starting young and focusing on skills, voice, emotions, and connections the organization does a wonderful job empowering girls from an early age and giving them tools for a lifetime.
I absolutely love listening to Krista Tippet, her guests and her collaborators at On Being. When I want to ’Tune in to tune out” or really just get a mindful tune-up, I tap into the wealth of wisdom, compassion, intelligence and sometimes even humor offered here. Her radio show and podcast combine gentle tones and questions that feel designed to get to the heart – literally – of any matter.
I’m a big fan of my dear friend Patricia Karpas’ Meditation Studio App. You can access an array of talented meditation teachers and find a style that suits your preferences. They’ve done a great job curating guided meditations, selecting approaches that offer anyone who is interested, the opportunity to explore meditation and find the voice that fits!
AVAILABLE ON THE APP STORE
I recently joined my friend, Harvard faculty member and previous Chairman of North America for LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Pauline Brown, on her SiriusXM radio show, Tastemakers.
It often feels like everything around us is loud and provocative, competing for our attention in an effort to get us to listen, act or consume. In this environment, we often miss opportunities to perceive and appreciate some of the most powerful resources we have – messages and messengers who take a different approach. How do we open our eyes and ourselves up to quiet leadership?
Alta Calidad is fantastic and innovative Mexican food with a great vibe, clever cocktails, and a relaxed but professional service. A must try if ever in Brooklyn.
I am in the middle of Poldark, this delightful and escapist Masterpiece Theater production of a family saga that takes place in Cornwall England in the late 1800s. Watch it for the scenery, the swashbuckling, the tales of class and morality, and the pure fun of it. There are heroes and villains, tragedy and love stories, travesties of justice and moments of triumph. Much better than the evening news!
After hearing Robert Kegan speak at the Next Practice Institute this fall, I eagerly dove into one of his seminal works, an incredibly insightful and practical guide to understanding what it takes to truly change our behavior – as individuals and as teams – in the workplace. The book is filled with case studies and exercises that highlight the importance of digging deep, really deep, into our habits of thinking, speaking and acting to understand their origin. Once light is shed on how our values and belief systems evolved to protect us (our immunity) we can begin the hard and important work of rewriting our narrative, one that serves our true goals and interests.
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.
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