Most of us have heard the “buzz” about wholehearted living, but why leadership?
If you’ve seen, heard or read anything about “wholehearted” living, it probably stems from either Brene Brown or one of her many devotees (of which I am one). While it’s gotten a lot of hype recently, the research behind the power of living wholeheartedly is extensive and undeniable.
First, what does it mean to live wholeheartedly? In short, it means to show up authentically, with courage and vulnerability. To bravely stand up to the voices in your head that tell you, “You’re not good enough” and to boldly respond: Yes, I am.
Why is this important when it comes to leadership? My answer is a question: How can it NOT be important? The core of wholehearted leadership is connection and belonging. These are attributes associated with leaders who inspire and motivate. The type of leaders people want to join. The type of leaders people trust.
A wholehearted leader listens to their intuition. To that voice in their gut, where the often competing head and heart voices meet, who quietly encourages them to do what is right. To be themselves in all aspects of life and leadership; not a “work” version and a different “home” version. They are true to themselves and to others.
In my 20+ year career as a corporate executive I can share that my worst decisions stemmed from moments drivien by an ill-conceived need to project power and perfectionism, rather than doing the work to be myself. It was only when I embraced my intuition, mindfully stepped into my own authentic strength, and vulnerably invited others to share in that space, that I was able to emerge as a leader.
Remember, as a leader and a human, it is your choice to allow youself to be seen. If this journey interests you, connect with me for a complimentary session.
