The Leader’s Guide, April 2023

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How’s Your Ledger Looking?

What brings you happiness at work?

We all experience ebbs and flows in enthusiasm for the work we do. It’s easy to get caught up in what brings you down. What about the joy? There’s a benefit in recognizing the elements that power you up to do your best work.

The truth is that when we are engaged and interested in what we are doing, the work comes more easily and the results tend to be better. Finding a strategy for tapping into that can be important not just for results but your overall level of contentment.

A few weeks ago, I had a rough week. It felt as if nothing was going my way. I was upset – even a bit of wallowing, I admit! The weight of the disappointment was holding me back and I struggled to see how to move forward. Through conversation with my support system and some reading that I did, I decided to turn the tide.

I was realizing that I’d absorbed everything as happening TO me. I chose to reclaim a bit of agency and started seeking out those things that were positive. It turns out – there were many things on that list too! I’d been so clouded by ‘poor me!’ that I had lost sight of ‘yay me!’. Some of them were small things and some bigger – warmth, sunshine, great run, a new client engagement, and great connection while meeting some new people.

Sure, the 'poor me' bits still hurt. I wasn’t avoiding them. I was simply making the effort to balance the ledger. Sometimes, that ledger still leans toward loss but recognizing there’s something in the positive column can provide just the hope you need.

• How’s your ledger?
• How does your attitude change when you reflect on the joys and wins?

Sometimes from the toughest journeys, we can find some big wins. I hope that’s true for you. I’d wish for you a surge in optimism and connection to your work. If you haven’t taken the time to balance your ledger, I’d recommend even a short reconciliation!

Reading and Conversation

A recent conversation with a dear friend had us talking about possible connections between introversion and the nervous system. I described how I’m ‘twitchy’ when I’m in large group situations. I get little electrical shocks running through me that drain my energy and, as you might imagine, is very distracting. She recommended a book that is now on my ‘hold list’ with my local library: The Body Keeps the Score written by Bessel van der Kolk. I’m looking forward to reading it (bit of a wait, I’m afraid!) and I’d love to hear your thoughts if you have read it.

It was also wonderful to connect with Andrea Seydel on her podcast Saving You is Killing Me. She was a tremendous part of me publishing my book and it was powerful to talk with her in connection to another community of hers that speaks to those struggling with loving someone with an addiction. I don’t coach around trauma though we recognized that my C.O.A.C.H. Y.O.U. model could be a relevant inspiration in any way we need to coach ourselves. I encourage anyone to listen to the discussion about self-advocacy we had in this episode, Coach Yourself Compassionately: A Gentle Evolution to Positive Change.

C.O.A.C.H. Y.O.U. The Introverted Skeptic’s Guide to Leadership

Are you an introverted skeptic – or do you work with someone who may be? This book offers perspectives and insights about the superpowers and the challenges many face as leaders. Pick up your copy and discover strategies to integrate who you are with how you lead.

Interested in talking with me about some of those concepts? Stop to connect during a Meet the Author/ Book Signing event.

Wednesday, 3 May 2023, 4:30 – 6:30p ET; Pittsfield Branch of the Ann Arbor District Library

Thursday, 29 June 2023, 5:30 – 7:00p ET Salem-South Lyon District Library

Please contact me if you would want me to speak to your organization, group, or association about why I chose to right the book, key concepts in the book, and/or an Ask Me Anything format in a virtual or in-person environment.

Let’s Connect!

I’m always eager to hear what is happening with you. Drop a line, give a call, or schedule some time to chat. I love hearing your updates and celebrating your achievements. Do not hesitate to catch me up on all the fabulous things you have been doing!