Harvest Month: Reflect, Recognize, and Rise Above Your Challenges (YGT??60)
Katharina Engelhardt ??
Career and Leadership Mentor ? Coach ? Senior Leader @ adidas | Supporting Women in Global Companies for Clarity, Confidence & Career Breakthroughs I ?? Podcast YOU GOT THIS! I ZONTA International
Hello and happy Thursday,
Welcome to another. YOU GOT THIS! Newsletter.
I've just picked the last tomato on the patio. It's crazy how much fun it is to harvest and enjoy the fruits of your work!
Whenever I harvest fruit and vegetables and think about the fact that there was only one flower a few weeks ago, I also think about my work.
Isn't it crazy that we so often forget to consciously harvest the fruits of our labor? To enjoy what has developed from the blossoming of ideas? Sure, the results are never perfect. But that doesn't make the successes any less valuable. My tomatoes are really quite small - but I take particular pleasure in them because I planted and watered them.
Enjoying the success of your work is ultimately also an appreciation of the effort and care you have invested.
That's why I've declared the summer holidays to be Harvest Month - especially at work:
I mentally review the topics and projects I have worked on over the course of the year. I look at the results - often not quite finished, rarely perfect - and take pleasure in what has been achieved. Even the small developments!
It feels good. Give it a try.
In today’s edition of my newsletter, I′ll write about these three topics:
?? My latest learning: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs About Writing & Showing Up
?? Career Inspiration: Rise Above Past Triggers
?? Female Leadership: Management by Helicopter
Would you like to write to me? Hit reply or send me a DM.
I am always happy to receive feedback, suggestions for improvement, and ideas for new newsletters. What would you like to read about here?
Stay courageous!
Best Regards, Katharina
?? My latest learning: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs About Writing and Showing Up on LinkedIn
This month, I’ve experienced a profound lesson that I believe many of you can relate to—overcoming the limiting beliefs that have held us back for far too long. For me, these beliefs centered around my ability to write and show up authentically on LinkedIn.
For years, I carried the belief that I wasn’t a natural writer. This limiting thought, ingrained in me during my school years, led to a deep-seated fear of expressing myself through writing. I believed that my words wouldn’t resonate, that I couldn’t convey my thoughts effectively and that I would never be able to find my true voice. As a career and leadership coach, this was particularly challenging, as I knew the importance of visibility and authenticity in building a personal brand—but the fear of writing kept me from fully showing up on platforms like LinkedIn.
That’s when I decided to seek guidance and joined Melanie Schr?der’s academy. Through her coaching, I was able to confront these limiting beliefs head-on. Melanie’s encouragement and feedback helped me rediscover my voice and build confidence in my ability to write. I learned that writing isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity, connection, and sharing my unique perspective with the world.
With this newfound confidence, I began to show up more consistently on LinkedIn, sharing my insights and experiences with a broader audience. It wasn’t easy at first—putting my thoughts out there felt vulnerable, and the old doubts would occasionally creep in. But the more I wrote, the more I realized that my words had value and that they could inspire and empower others just as much as my one-on-one coaching.
This journey has been a powerful reminder of the importance of challenging our limiting beliefs and stepping outside our comfort zones. Whether it’s writing, public speaking, or taking on new professional challenges, these barriers can be broken down with the right support and mindset.
If you’ve been holding back from showing up or sharing your voice, I encourage you to take that first step. You might just find, as I did, that what you have to say is exactly what someone else needs to hear.
If you’ve ever doubted yourself or felt held back by limiting beliefs, I encourage you to listen to the podcast and hear more about my journey and insights. Together, we can all overcome these barriers and achieve the recognition and balance we deserve.
???Listen to the podcast here https://lnkd.in/eyamsuYi
???Watch the interview on YouTube https://lnkd.in/eryeSDcr
?? Career Inspiration: Rise Above Past Triggers
We’ve all been there—finding ourselves reacting sharply or negatively to situations at work, even when deep down we know it’s not helping anyone, least of all ourselves. Imagine you’re an experienced professional, someone who has been through the wringer with poor leadership, a toxic work environment, and a workload that was completely mismanaged. Now, you’re in a new role with a supportive leader who encourages you to set boundaries and focus on your strengths. But sometimes, the scars from the past resurface, and you find yourself reacting as if you’re still stuck in that old environment.
These moments can be frustrating. You know you’re in a better place now, but old habits die hard, and the triggers from your previous experiences can make you respond in ways that don’t reflect who you want to be. Maybe you become overly defensive or sharp in your responses, which only adds tension to the team and makes you feel worse afterward.
If you find yourself in this situation, the first step is to recognize when these triggers are influencing your behavior. Ask yourself, "Am I reacting to what’s happening now, or am I responding based on what I’ve been through before?" This awareness can help you pause and choose a response that’s more aligned with your current, more positive work environment.
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It’s also important to talk openly with your new leader. Share your experiences and let them know what you’re struggling with. A good leader will understand and work with you to help you adjust and thrive in this new role.
Another key strategy is to practice mindfulness. By staying grounded in the present moment, you can reduce the power those old triggers have over you. It’s not easy, but over time, it will help you respond more calmly and constructively.
Finally, remind yourself that you’re in a new environment now—one that values your contributions and supports your growth. By focusing on the positive and consciously choosing how you react, you can create a better work experience not just for yourself, but for your entire team.
Remember, managing your reactions is a skill that takes time to develop, but it’s worth the effort. It will not only improve your work life but also help you build stronger, more positive relationships with those around you.
???? Here is a link to book a discovery session with me to start working on your triggers.
?? Female Leadership: Management by Helicopter
In leadership, one of the greatest strengths you can cultivate is the ability to trust your team to manage responsibilities and make decisions in your absence. Unfortunately, some leaders fall into the trap of "management by helicopter," where they feel the need to swoop in unexpectedly, even during their vacations, to control or micromanage the situation. This behavior, while often well-intentioned, can create unnecessary stress and disrupt the workflow, leaving the team feeling undermined and second-guessed.
True leadership lies in empowering your team with clear guidance and expectations before you step away. When leaders frequently check in during their time off, it sends a message that they lack confidence in their team's abilities, which can erode morale and stifle the team's growth. Employees thrive in environments where they are trusted to handle challenges independently, without the constant shadow of their leader hovering overhead.
Before you take time off, ensure that everyone on your team knows their roles, understands their decision-making authority, and knows when it’s truly necessary to reach out. Leadership isn't about being irreplaceable; it's about fostering a team that can function seamlessly without you. By setting clear expectations and boundaries before you go on vacation, you not only allow yourself to enjoy your time off but also return to a team that has continued to thrive in your absence.
Trusting your team to succeed without your constant oversight is a hallmark of strong leadership and a well-functioning, autonomous group. As you prepare for your next break, ask yourself: what do I need to put in place to feel confident that my team will excel while I’m away? Once you’ve answered that question, step back, let your team shine, and resist the urge to hover.
I am happy to help you with these topics with my Leadership Compass. ????Here is a link to book a discovery session with me.
??Change starts with you
Nothing will change unless you change something! It's up to you!
The alternative: Keep doing what you're doing...
I wish you a great week; enjoy life, and remember to SHOW UP!
If you say what you want, you increase the chance of being heard! ??
Have a great day, and remember, it is the one who gives up and does not reach success.
And now I wish you all the best and talk soon!
Best Regards, Katharina
??How you can work with me:
Leadership Training: In my course MOVE UP! You can recognize and strengthen your leadership. Join the course ??here.
Amazing Career Coaching: Join the 16-week 1:1 AMAZING CAREER coaching program. Please reply to this mail that you want to join or book a call with me ?? here to learn more.
Not getting anywhere on your own? Then why not book a free virtual coffee break ?? with me, and we'll find out whether and how I can help you further. ???? Here is a link to book a discovery session with me
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PS: This newsletter is written by a human. English is not my native language. So,?I'll make mistakes. And tech bugs ?? crawl in?once in a while.?So, if you see any of these, please let me know. I′m always happy to improve!