Practice Your Leadership Saralyn Hodgkin

I often see teams engrossed by deadlines, governing structures, strategic plans, and KPIs. All good stuff. And yet the result of over focusing here can lead to unclear communication, festering tensions, and a whole lot of unnecessary drama. 
To do the work means also working on the team relationship. The behaviours and beliefs that create the ‘us’ of a team fuel the work – that’s where the magic happens. 
Ask the question: how do we work together?
Co-create the answer: it reduces drama, inserts accountability, creates conditions for innovation, and clarifies team culture. 
Challenges and conflict are inevitable. Drama comes and goes. Taking the time to explore how you’ll navigate that chaos together is crucial. 

Who hasn’t worked with people that drive them nuts? And how do you navigate these difficult dynamics with dignity?
The answer requires inner reflection. It’s not easy, but try to step back from the emotions and judgments you’re holding and take a birds-eye view of the situation. 

Perspective and curiosity are required to get unstuck from the muck.

What if the pressure to stay on track, be better, and do more is precisely what’s holding you back?
That aggressive, yang-like energy to tackle your to-do list can burn you out. And if you beat yourself up when you don’t live up to your self-set standards – that can backfire. What if you added a restful approach to your life, work and leadership? If you created some space between all the to-dos?
Reflect on the areas of your life draining your energy and explore how to bring ease  – even if it pisses some people off. 
Protect your peace. It is an essential step on your leadership journey. Spend the currency of your energy wisely.

As 2023 takes its final bow, there’s no better time to reflect on your year and set informed intentions for 2024. 
Reflection is one of the most powerful leadership practices. It helps us learn, unlearn, and grow.
Take time to sit with what happened in 2023 and get curious about how you want to enter the year ahead.