Leading with Open Palms: Embracing Flexibility in Leadership

At the start of each year, many of us choose a guiding word to shape our journey over the next 12 months. In my last blog I shared my 2025 word – FlowVenture – blending adventure with a sense of ease. Thanks to all those who responded – your stories were heartfelt, and your words were inspiring, including:?

• Joy-venture: Embracing joy in every endeavor.
• Curiosity: Approaching life with inquisitiveness and being open to opportunities.
• Focus: Directing energy toward what truly matters.
• Steady: Maintaining consistency amidst significant change.

One conversation stood out—an executive leading organisational change (and who isn’t?) chose the phrase ‘holding things lightly.’ This reminded me of the proverb often quoted by my mentor Peter Cook:

‘Hold on tight with open palms.’

Like any new idea worth understanding deeply (and many concepts Pete shared with me over the years), it took me a while to get my head around this… At first it seemed contradictory. Yet it offers profound wisdom for leaders. Holding on tight signifies commitment and dedication to our goals and values – this is our role as leaders. ?And doing so with open palms suggests embracing flexibility and openness – a willingness to collaborate with others and develop ideas together.

Consider holding sand:

• Clenched Fist: The tighter you grip, the more sand escapes.
• Open Hand: Held gently, the sand remains.

While you probably aren’t building sandcastles, the metaphor still stands. While it's essential to be committed, we must also remain adaptable. Clinging too tightly can lead to missed opportunities and increased stress. Conversely, an open-handed approach fosters innovation and resilience.

As leaders, let's reflect on our approach:

• Are we holding our objectives with a clenched fist, resistant to change?
• Or are we embracing them with open palms, ready to adapt and grow?

By ‘holding things lightly,’ we balance commitment with flexibility, leading our teams with both strength and grace.

I invite you to consider your guiding word or phrase for this year. How can it shape your leadership journey? Feel free to share your reflections; I'd love to hear them.

Go Fearlessly, with adventure and flow – and of course with open palms!

PS When I remind myself of this concept, I can shift my mindset more effectively in the moment by physically opening my palms and relaxing all the muscles in my fingers.