It starts with me. Always.
And that’s powerful. Because that’s what I can control.
With the world feeling like a never ending emotional rollercoaster with some truly questionable leaders in charge, I’m pondering the following question almost every day:
“What kind of leader, what kind of role model was I today, especially for my 3 kids. Did I treat them with the same respect that I expect from them towards me?
Did I love them for who they are? Or were there any strings attached to it?
Did I try to be the best coach I can be? Just as I expect from them to do the best they can at school…
Did I truly listen to them? With neither my phone in my hands nor my face stuck in the computer…
Did I try to walk in their shoes? Like really trying to understand their emotions and perspectives…
I’m not perfect, my kids are not perfect. There are good days and messy days. But overall, I feel that we are in a good space. On the right path so to speak. And yes, it does take courage to look with honesty into the mirror. And especially when my kids hold the mirror for me, it’s not always pleasant what I see. But I wouldn’t want it any other way :)
This brings me to a workshop that I was facilitating 2 weeks ago.
It was about company values. And the participants had created this long “wish list” how their leaders should behave. And how they were missing a more values-based leadership. Overall the discussion swirled around “changing others”…
At some point we paused. And I simply asked the participants how they themselves were role modeling those leadership traits in their everyday lives?
At first there was silence – which felt a bit like “Touché”. But then, there was a whole new vibe in the room. Suddenly empathy, self-reflection and -responsibility started to emerge…
And that’s how a little nudge from the outside, without judgment, can open a deeper level of reflection. Which allows new perspectives, opportunities and conversations to surface. And when that happens, I know why I do what I do!
Warmly, Viviane
With this, I would like to invite you to reflect on the following over the next couple of days:
What kind of role model do you want to be? At work? At home?
When you feel that you are not there yet: what’s currently holding you back?
As always: be kind to yourself :)
Are you ready for a 1:1 coaching? For a little nudge from the outside?
A compassionate mirror :)
Someone who truly listens to you and what’s on your mind.
A partner in crime, who is by your side.
Then just hit the button below. Let’s chat and get to know one another. No strings attached.