Reflections on My Journey Through Self-Mastery: Insights from the ECD Certified Consultant Course

Embarking on the ECD Certified Consultant course 2 months ago with riders&elephants has been a deeply transformative experience. As I reflect on the journey so far, I am struck by the profound impact it has had on both my personal and professional growth. Today, I want to share my reflections with you in the hopes that my experiences might resonate and inspire.

Authenticity in Learning

When I started this course, my primary goal was to create opportunities to force myself to apply and practice the "theory & motivation" I had taken from the Practitioner Course. The focus was wholly on enhancing my professional capabilities for commercial gains. What I didn't anticipate was the depth of self-discovery that was coming my way and a deeper understanding and sense of purpose for why the ECD came into my life when it did! The self-mastery activities required me to look inward, to confront my own biases, emotions, and behaviours. The process was rarely easy, often deeply uncomfortable but it essential for my learning, growth, belief and confidence.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is that authenticity is the cornerstone of growth. The exercises pushed me to be brutally honest with myself, to acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses, and to accept and define my true self. This authenticity has allowed me to connect more deeply with others, with more genuine relationships building from a foundation of trust.

Embracing Vulnerability

A pivotal aspect of this journey has been learning to navigate and optimise my vulnerability. In a society that often equates vulnerability with weakness, I believe it's a source of immense strength. Being vulnerable means being open, honest, and willing to share your true self with others. It means admitting that you don't have all the answers and that you're still learning and growing. It means taking a personal risk.

This vulnerability has not only enriched my personal relationships but has also enhanced my professional interactions. It has allowed me to connect with colleagues on a deeper level and to create a safe space where open and honest communication can thrive. In commercial and corporate settings, this level of emotional intelligence is invaluable, inspiring a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation.

Surprising Insights and Highlights

Throughout this self-mastery stage of the course, there have been several surprises that have deeply impacted me. One of the most surprising aspects has been the realisation of how often I operate on autopilot, driven by unconscious biases and habitual reactions. This awareness has been a game-changer, allowing me to be more intentional and mindful in my interactions. This may sound over the top but it's true, I've changed how I take care of my physical body significantly since I started this work on my emotional literacy. Not only am I working out consistently in the gym and actually finding joy in it! I am committing 3 hours of time at the gym focussing on holistic classes of yoga and meditation. This shift is further supporting me to be more present and connected with my emotions rather than being controlled by them.

Another highlight has been the power of the simple yet profound exercises in The Emotional Deck. These activities have not only facilitated deep self-reflection but have also provided practical tools that allow for more meaningful conversations. The impact of these tools in both personal and professional settings has been nothing short of transformative.

Themes in Challenges

Reflecting on the challenges I have encountered, a recurring theme has been the difficulty of maintaining consistent self-awareness. It’s easy to slip back into old patterns and reactions, especially in high-stress situations. However, this challenge has underscored the importance of ongoing practice, discipline and humility in self-mastery.

My Personal Top 10 Tips for Using the Emotional Culture Deck Effectively

1. Set a Clear Context: Before diving into the cards, define a clear context for the inquiry. This helps focus your reflections and ensures the activity flows smoothly, whether exploring personal leadership or team emotional culture.

2. Use the Cards to Articulate Your Emotional Story: The Emotional Culture Deck can help articulate your "emotional story" and provides clarity on your feelings. Use the cards to identify and name your emotions, helping counteract any criticism of being "too emotional" or "soft and fluffy" - a bug bear of mine in gender stereotypes around the role and place of emotions at work!

3. Reflect on Success: Connect with your definition of success to feel more energised and confident in your goals. Reflect on what success means to you personally and how it aligns with your professional aspirations.

4. Hone Your Storytelling Skills: Use the cards and handbooks to develop your storytelling skills and reframe negative stories you might be telling yourself or others! This boosts confidence and improves your ability to communicate effectively and to have the impact you want based on how you want people to feel.

5. Clarify Emotional States: Work on defining the emotional states you want to explore. Understanding subtle differences between emotions deepens emotional literacy and reduces frustration.

6. Engage Others in the Process: If aspects of the Emotional Culture Deck are challenging to do alone, involve others. Associates, clients, or colleagues can provide diverse perspectives and enrich the experience.

7. Use the Tool to Deepen Relationships: Integrate the Emotional Culture Deck into your work to deepen relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. This fosters a stronger emotional culture and enhances collaboration.

8. Focus on Key Emotions: When working on activities like the Business Values Canvas, label the emotions you want stakeholders to feel. This clarifies emotional goals and aligns them with your values and priorities.

9. Be Inclusive and Collaborative: Define your emotional goals, but also invite contributions from others. Inclusivity creates a more comprehensive and authentic emotional culture.

10. Use the Tool for Continuous Reflection: Return to the Emotional Culture Deck regularly to reflect on your emotional journey - it's known as a "Retro" at riders&elephants. Continuous engagement reinforces your commitment to emotional culture and helps stay connected with emotional literacy goals.

Inspiring Confidence and Adding Value

To my colleagues, connections, and those on similar journeys, I want to share this message: embrace the process of self-mastery with an open heart and mind. It may be challenging at times, but it is incredibly rewarding. Your commitment to learning and growth will not only transform you but will also inspire those around you.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Together, let’s harness the power of emotional mastery to create more compassionate, effective, and dynamic workplaces. Here’s to continuous growth, authentic connections, and the courage to embrace vulnerability.