Welcome back! We’re now on Block #4 in our 5 Foundational Blocks series - your guide to staying steady, resilient, and confident as a leader.
My team was going through a period of “storming,” as teams sometimes do. There seemed to be a few layers to the conflict: some team members didn’t get along, there was a sense of uncertainty after recent changes, and everyone was just plain tired after several weeks of hard work.
As I went to lead our team meeting, my whole body was resisting. My heart raced, my stomach was in knots, and I could feel tension creeping up my shoulders.
But I had a job to do. A meeting to lead. A team to manage. So, I ignored it all and pushed through.
It did not go well.
During the meeting, I was grumpy, easily flustered, and didn’t respond to my team’s concerns with empathy. An utterly joyless meeting—when usually our gatherings were times for connection and problem-solving. It felt like we all walked away with little storm clouds trailing behind us.
Fortunately, I had a wise colleague who asked the perfect question when I shared what happened:
"What were those signals telling you?"
I hadn’t thought of my stress headache as a signal to anything beyond being worn out. But when I looked closer, I realized my body had been flashing a big warning light: I was off-balance. In that state, I couldn’t be the leader my team needed me to be. I had to pause and reset: assess the situation honestly, identify where I’d compromised my values, and lean on my strengths, like connection and relationship-building, to guide the team back on track.
Without noticing those signals, my team and I might have continued struggling in the storm without much progress. Instead, by tuning in and recalibrating, I was able to steady myself and lead effectively through it.
Reflect:
Think about the last time you felt off-balance at work. What signals did your body or mind give you—a tight chest, a racing heart, hesitation in your voice? What might they be telling you about where you need to pause, reset, or step forward?
Pay Attention to Your Signals and Lead With Confidence
Noticing your signals is the first step toward staying steady and resilient—so you can show up fully as a leader. If you want to practice tuning in, building confidence, and stepping into your power, join us for one of our
upcoming events!