Lead with Heart

Being a leader is exhilarating and challenging, whether you’re running a team or running your own business. Am I right?

It takes passion, courage, and perseverance. There are deadlines to make, meetings to attend, and a ROI to achieve. And while all of that matters day to day, if we lose sight of our true vision and the mission that matters most to our hearts, if we don’t lead our teams with empathy, and live and work in alignment with our authentic purpose, we won’t be satisfied or happy.

So how do we lead with heart while keeping our eyes on the prize?

1. Remember The Heliotropic Effect.

“The Heliotropic Effect is the tendency for all living systems to move towards light and away from darkness…or rather, towards that which is life-giving and away from that which endangers life. It’s why a plant placed on a windowsill tilts toward the sun.”

The entire premise supports that our efforts to “Be the sun, not the salt,” open the doors for positivity and healthy growth - that when we share light and positivity, we attract life and abundance.

Practicing heliotropic leadership means walking in your authentic purpose with compassion and gratitude, while encouraging those around you - your team, clients, and beyond.

1. Focus your approach.

It isn’t always easy to practice “being heliotropic,” amidst all the stresses we face. That’s because it is a deeper mindset shift. It happens within your heart and mind. And like everything else, it’s a process.

Start with one thing you can do to ensure you are leading with empathy and heart, and implement it. This could be sending encouraging notes to team members. This could be taking space from a challenge before making a decision.

Sympathy and empathy are not the same thing, and empathy doesn’t mean you have to solve other people’s problems. Empathy allows you to hold space and offer grace that builds relationships and foundations for your business.

The beauty is: it’s completely up to you, and no matter what you choose, the positive effects are guaranteed.

1. Remember your vision and your mission.

Perspective is everything. There are so many little things that can distract us from the greater mission. There are always hiccups and unforeseen challenges.

As leaders, it is important to balance the lessons of the journey with the end goal. What is the true cost of the error a team member made? Is it correctable? If we are solution minded, our teams will follow suit, and our systems improve. Our businesses embody a culture and environment where people want to work and belong. And you, as a leader, are able to reserve your energy for accomplishing what you have set out to do.

1. Prioritize Self-Care

I tell my clients this is non-negotiable when you run a business and a team. It’s not just self-care, it’s self-preservation! Prioritizing self-care will keep you from burning out, and give you the space you need to maintain a healthy perspective in your business and as a leader.?

Routine practices, be it exercise, meditation, or something else, can help manage stress and improve sleep as you work towards achieving balance in your day to day life. But it’s also important to completely unplug and relax.

So block out the time today. Put it on the calendar, and commit to YOUR self-care.

So, here we are; it’s Q4. We’re reviewing 2023, and planning for 2024. There’s no better investment in setting yourself up for success in the new year than to invest in your own development.

I would love to connect with you.

I am accepting one more client for Q1 2024.

I believe in you, and I know the amazing leader you are.?

Cheering you on,

P.S. If you want a pulse check on Q4, check out my LinkedIN newsletter on How to Master Q4.?(There's a freebie!)