Embodying Leadership
Barbara Vercruysse
Global Kindness Advocate | Operational Excellence | Transformation Management | Leadership Thinker & Mentor | President PWI-Brussels | Public Speaker | Top 10 Thought Leaders on Mental Health | Bestselling Author
When we look up to inspirational leaders, they embody qualities which seem they have been born with and we are not. Sometimes it might seem like we will never embody that confident, calm and mature leader that we aim to be.
Embodying leadership, confidence, calm, peace and grace can a daunting task, especially when we feel inadequate, when we keep insisting in negative self-talk and keep comparing our journey with others.
It's important to remember that feelings of insecurity and inadequacy come from our ego. When we compare ourselves to an ideal version of ourselves or someone we admire, it can create an outside measurement that is not natural and can lead to feelings of insecurity.
Instead of letting these feelings of inadequacy take over, it is more helpful to focus our attention on our strengths, appreciating our own unique qualities, and striving to be the best version of ourselves.
We grow into leadership by holding a clear vision, by having high and pure standards, by being aware of the values that we want to run our lives on, by consistently learning and improving and by using every experience as an opportunity for growth.
Once we realize that nothing can go wrong when we have the willingness to learn from each experience, good or bad, when we have the courage to look brutally honest at ourselves and let go of any form of self-deception, a certain detachment arises and we become a leading example for others.
Leadership is not about becoming the alike of someone you admire, you do not have to become someone else or wear a mask of confidence. Leadership is what arises naturally when you let go of the masks you have been wearing to cope with the world.
True leadership, true success is built from a powerful heart and an unshakeable mind, knowing your inherent worth as a human and helping others to see their worth and beauty always.
So when things aren't going the way you visioned or expected, when you are dealing with pain, suffering or challenges, do NOT resist suffering. Do not run away from the pain. Dive fully into it. Do not be ashamed of tears, for tears are the witness that you have the greatest of courage, the courage to face your pain and all the untrue stories about yourself and to wash them away, the courage to rise above all that was holding you back until then.
This is when you will discover true power & the leader within yourself.
Much love, Barbara
If you want to explore how to adopt a kind, detached and powerful way of living, 'The Path of Powerful Kindness' might be something for you. You can check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Powerful-Kindness-Return-Humanness/dp/B0CM18MG4M/
Thank you for sharing these insightful thoughts on leadership! –It's so true that comparing ourselves to others only fosters insecurity. Embracing our unique qualities is key!???? #leadership #SelfAwareness
Deputy Director (Divisional) | Program Development, International Development
6 个月It sounds like "Inside-Out" Approach. Undoubtedly, it is helpful to relieve ourselves from unnecessary burden of comparing with others and with the 'ideal version of ourselves'. Good and inspiring one. ??
Deputy Director (Divisional) | Program Development, International Development
6 个月Nice articulation. Simple, clear but powerful
12,000+ Followers ?? Business Head at International market ??Visionary leader to help drive your business forward.
6 个月Spot on about authentic leadership Barbara Vercruysse This post reminds us that great leaders are made, not born.?Self-awareness, continuous learning, empathy, and empowering others are all key to building a thriving team.