You were made for these times...
As a Leader, how do you show-up at work…??. These are complex times we live in and if you are reading this I know that you were made for these times! As I #pauseforreflection this month I believe that with the current state of affairs - locally and globally – and the decrease in productivity at a national level, we need to get back to leadership basics. Fundamentally, good leadership is about curiosity, courage and kindness. It’s about showing up as YOU and working to embody and model a possibilities mindset.
True leadership is a commitment to building in deliberate and regular self-reflection, contemplation and deep inner listening. Think ‘Dadirri’ from our indigenous friends. It’s a discipline that if adhered to more often might mean more visionary leadership and not this wave of degradation to the very fabric of our society, brutality and the inhumanity we are currently experiencing. You might think ‘this is not in my back yard’ – well, think again. Each and every one of us has a responsibility, especially if we have an ounce of influence in our community and/or workplace. I hear and see this brutality unfolding everyday in conversations with my clients.
I maintain that being a leader – no matter what level you are, comes with responsibility. Ask yourself - what are people observing? Am I modelling what might be inspirational and helping others to be courageous? Am I living and working with integrity and in a values-based way? Do I work to engage others and bring them on the journey? Am I an enabling leader that allows those around me to develop and thrive? Am I genuinely interested in my people?
We don’t all have ‘out-there’ charisma and we can’t do leadership on our own. There’s a lot of talk about ‘presence’ and ‘gravitas’. What do they really mean? Having presence will require you to be authentic, courageous and genuine in the way you connect with others…and sometimes it will be uncomfortable – I talk a lot about becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable. There’s no magic formula. It requires commitment and leadership is a journey not a destination.
This is all starts with and is underpinned by the belief that “I AM ENOUGH”…this counters the imposter syndrome & self-doubt that may creep into our space and undermine our opportunity to be courageous and at our best – in fact 70% of us experience it!
Here are my thoughts on 8 things to consider and explore further as your work towards becoming an exemplary leader:
1. Lead with your heart AND your head; acknowledge that being kind and compassionate starts with self-compassion
2. Understand the true nature of power; and show vulnerability when and where appropriate
3. Build capability in your staff through enabling good practices and behaviours, and by modelling and mentoring; remember the 3 motivators - give your staff autonomy, ensure they can develop mastery and have a sense of purpose to the work
4. Be succinct with your messaging- at all times have a clear intention when you communicate
5. Ensure that the wellbeing of your staff is maintained especially during high demand and high stress periods – this engenders a positive workplace culture where productivity and kindness can flourish together
6. Be courageous in the way you manage up in order to effectively manage down
7. Know and manage your energy and self-talk. Know your emotional triggers and embrace how you are wired; managing your energy (not time as I was reminded by a clever client this week) through sleep, lifestyle and capacity-appropriate choice-making on work and play etc.
8. And finally, continue to work on developing a growth mindset by staying curious and open to possibility.
When you shine you allow others to do the same – embrace YOUR presence and KEEP SHINING as a role-model leader!
So, ask yourself - Am I working towards being my best self by being clear about my intentions and maintaining a growth mindset?
As ever, the challenge - To truly understand that what we give out eventually comes back to us.
Until next time….Keep Shining,
Trish x
WORK WITH ME – Executive and Career Coach-Mentoring (or perhaps engage me to run a Yoga Class for you/your friends/colleagues).
Contact me today - trish@wisdominone.com.au or call (61) 411 626 549
I am the Principal of Wisdom in One. I have been working with and Coach-Mentoring Leaders for over 25 years. At Wisdom in One, our commitment is to a practical and holistic approach to achieving life balance for the mind, body, heart and soul; ensuring we take care of ourselves, each other and the world in order to create a better future for our children.
I not only believe but know that LEADERSHIP IS A RESPONSIBILITY AND IT IS SACRED.
By looking at and developing awareness about how we live, lead and work, we can create a powerful sense of 'knowing' and consciousness about what impact we have on our own lives, our health, others around us and our environment. By tapping into this wisdom, we can grow, change and live a fuller, richer life and make positive and enlightened contributions. Leaders have real-time impact on a community’s stability, sustainability and collective wellbeing. Therefore Leaders have a responsibility to their own wellbeing.
The challenge - To truly understand that what we give out eventually comes back to us.
visit my website: www.wisdominone.com.au
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https://www.wisdominone.com.au/blogs
Sept 2025