'Do you' to go high ??

I am no Michelle Obama, originator of the quote that inspired us to act with integrity in the face of dishonesty and bullying.

Nor am I a bishop, like Mariann Budde, the ‘troublesome’ priest who more recently made President Trump squirm at his inaugural service. (Given that we had to see his grim face at all, the discomfort in his stony features was a joy to watch.) ??

I have no pulpit to speak from. No powerful public presence. No influencer level impact.

And if I did, I doubt I would be as eloquent as Michelle or as brave as Mariann.

There is much to be brave about

Trump 2 and all that has gone with it - going low, low, low - has led to some familiar responses from me and those around me striving for a better world.

?? Fury. Anger. Despair. Giving Up. Overwhelm. Impotence. Depression. Panic. Fear. ??

The world feels seriously grim, right now. It seems only reasonable.

What I'm not hearing so much of is hope, joy, fun and celebration.

Fair enough. My VA, Megan, said to me today that if we weren't feeling down right now, we'd be psychopaths.

A new approach

But - I wonder whether actually this is the time to lean into a more hopeful, fun-filled and playful approach to changing the world. ??

Not everyone who cares about social justice, about the climate, about rights, is shouting (or even compassionately reminding) from the pulpit or influencing in the White House.

Most don't have the skills or the influence to be doing that.

Most will be chatting over the post-church service tea. Keeping spirits up in cold and muddy charity football matches. Chivvying their MP with an email about the local cycle route.

Bishop Mariann talks about part of a 'coalition of the faithful' - a community of people who believe that change can happen and that every one in this community has a role in bringing it about - using their unique set of skills, talents, personality and passions.

I'm not a loudly vocal campaigner. I'm not an angry protestor. I'm not a deep thinking analyser of what's wrong in the world and how to make it right.

If these were the only ways to change the world for the better I would be excluded entirely.

Now that really would make me despair! And it would be a big waste. ????♀?

No, what I am good at is encouraging and celebrating the unique brilliance of others. Creating warm supportive places where we can get together in community and build resilience. Encouraging a laugh so that we're better able to tackle the challenges ahead.

This is me, doing me, to go high. ??

Going high

I'm noticing more posts and conversation here on LinkedIn with new curiosity about how we might lean into alternative approaches.

? Posts about Radical Kindness for tackling Diversity and Inclusion.

? Posts about hope to halt 'Doom thinking' on climate change.

? And there is always the wonderful Positive News, sharing good news stories to uplift, motivate and inspire.

We need all our skills, all our different passions, all our approaches, all our personalities to work together in this coalition if we're to make a difference.

There is no ONE WAY.

When you 'do you' you really can 'go high'.

This is how I do it:

?? Coaching and motivating those doing the leading

I have a gift, my coaching clients, friends and family tell me, for encouraging others to step into their very best selves and make their most impactful contribution. My purpose, in my individual and group coaching programmes, is for mission-driven leaders to learn, grow and thrive in their leadership, so they're even better equipped to lead positive change.

?? Celebrating their wins

I am a brilliant 'ra ra-er' and cheerleader, too. I've put myself right behind mission-driven leaders, doing the work 'out there', cheering them on from the sidelines. At the start of every coaching session I invite the share of three wins or things that have gone well and we take a moment to notice and celebrate. I imagine they wouldn't have even stopped to notice these otherwise, as they whizz on to the next important thing on the list.

But celebrating what is going well, even the tiny things, is an act of rebellion!

?? Bringing people together in warm, supportive environments?

Whether it’s a party, a gathering around my fire with wine and book talk or my new Levity Lounge space for non-profit women leaders, one of my super powers is creating warm relaxed places for people to gather.

Here they have a laugh, shake off stresses and experience the warmth of connection with like-minded people and the reassurance of knowing they are not alone.

These spaces are essential. They are not fluffy or 'extra'. They bring healing, connection and resilience to a sector pretty much in crisis.

This is how I do me.

What about you?

How do you use your skills and talents to 'go high'?

Thank you for reading this article in my Loving Leadership newsletter. I hope it's inspired you in the amazing work you do.

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#Leadership #MissionDriven?#FunAtWork #WomenCEOs

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