May 31, 2024
In the high-pressure realm of business leadership, confidence is often considered a non-negotiable asset—a quality that defines the very essence of a successful executive and their team. However, an unwavering state of self-assurance is not the norm; even the most confident leaders face moments of doubt. Accepting that confidence can waver is the first step in navigating through its ebbs and flows effectively.
Balancing High Expectations with Empathy
A vital aspect of leadership is the ability to push both oneself and one’s team towards peak performance. This involves extracting the maximum potential from each team member, consistently reinforcing their status as the best in their field, and driving them toward excellence. Motivation is key; team members need to know that their excellence will be recognized and rewarded. However, this drive for high performance must be balanced with a deep understanding of the human elements at play.
Team members are not automatons—they are individuals with emotions, insecurities, and emotional fluctuations. A skilled leader recognizes this and navigates these waters delicately. Pushing the team means setting high standards and expecting the best, but also being there as a supportive figure who recognizes their human needs. This approach typically starts with choosing the right people for your team—individuals whose expertise you trust implicitly. Just as you allow yourself grace on off days, you must extend the same understanding to your team.
Being demanding yet caring creates a strong bond within the team. Leaders must foster an environment where hard work is pursued alongside joy and satisfaction in what one does. After all, if the process brings no joy, what indeed is the point? This balance is not just about driving performance but about nurturing a committed, resilient, and ultimately successful team.
Understanding the Nature of Confidence Loss
Confidence loss is not an unusual ordeal reserved for the few; it is a common occurrence that every leader and their team will face, especially after setbacks or failures. The higher the expectations set, the more intense the impact of perceived failures. It’s essential for leaders to recognize this pattern as part of the broader human experience, rather than viewing it as an abnormality or a sign of incompetence.
When confidence wanes, the typical initial reaction is often panic—a visceral fear that one might never regain their footing. Thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do this” frequently invade the mind. It is crucial at these moments not to act impulsively on these feelings. Instead, I encourage you to observe them as normal, natural responses to stress. Allow these thoughts to pass without judgment. This mindful approach fosters an inner calm and transforms each setback into a learning opportunity. Remember, every challenge is a chance to grow stronger, to refine your strategies, and to prepare for a more robust comeback.
As a leader, your ability to manage these moments not only helps you regain your footing but also sets a powerful example for your team. By demonstrating resilience, you inspire your team to navigate their doubts with the same composure. Let’s not forget, the way you handle confidence loss can turn a potential spiral into a powerful pivot point towards collective improvement and renewed strength.
Resetting Expectations: The Realistic Path to Success
In today’s fast-paced business environment, there’s immense pressure to deliver perfect results quickly. Observing competitors seemingly achieving overnight success can intensify this pressure, leading to unrealistic expectations and potential burnout. It’s essential for leaders to shift this mindset.
Often, our high expectations and the rigidity with which we cling to them stem from an ingrained fear of imperfection. This fear can box us into a corner of limited perfection, where we become slaves to an unattainable standard, stifling our ability to expand and grow. By demanding a little less perfection from ourselves, we grant ourselves the freedom to try new things and take risks. This slight shift in expectation doesn’t mean lowering standards, but rather understanding and integrating the human element of error and uncertainty into our leadership approach.
Accept that while you strive for excellence, mistakes are part of the learning and growth process. Embracing this reality can prevent many pitfalls and foster a healthy environment where team members feel secure to perform their best. When setbacks occur, they’re seen as part of the journey, not the end of the road. This perspective allows you and your team to navigate challenges more fluidly, with the freedom to innovate and the flexibility to adapt. Ultimately, this approach not only leads to sustained success but also promotes a more resilient and adaptive organizational culture.
Building True Confidence Within Your Team
True confidence is not about never failing; it’s about knowing how to recover from setbacks and trusting in your ability to learn and adapt. This form of confidence is robust, as it is built on the understanding that challenges are inevitable and manageable.
Leaders must model this authentic confidence to their teams. Show them that it’s okay to take risks and that failure is a part of the growth process. This doesn’t just help in recovering from confidence dips but also prevents them from occurring frequently.
An important aspect of fostering this kind of resilience is recognizing the limits of your control. Understand the cards you hold and play them to the best of your ability. However, be aware that you won’t always have the best cards, and not everything will be within your control. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances lead to setbacks that were simply out of your hands. In these moments, it’s crucial to acknowledge that you did your best given the situation. Accepting that not everything depends on you is key to maintaining confidence. This acceptance helps mitigate feelings of failure and aids in the recovery and rebuilding of confidence, making it easier for you and your team to move forward with determination and clarity.
Cultivating a Supportive Culture
A strong support system is invaluable. For leaders, this may be family or close friends—people who offer unconditional support regardless of professional success or failure. This personal backing provides a psychological safety net that enables risk-taking and innovative thinking.
Similarly, creating a supportive team environment where members genuinely care for and trust one another can replicate this safety net on a professional level. Teams that operate like a family are more resilient, bouncing back from setbacks with greater vigor and creativity.
Practical Steps to Rebuild Team Confidence
Here are some actionable steps leaders can use to help their teams regain confidence:
- Open Communication: Foster an environment where feelings and fears can be openly discussed without judgment. This transparency helps to normalize the experience of confidence loss.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks to help the team achieve quick wins and build momentum.
- Focus on Learning: After a setback, shift the focus from blame to learning. Analyze what went wrong and how it can be improved, turning each failure into a lesson.
- Celebrate Wins: Regularly recognize and celebrate achievements, no matter how small. This boosts morale and builds a positive feedback loop.
- Encourage Peer Support: Promote a culture where team members are encouraged to support each other, enhancing collective confidence and cohesion.
Conclusion
Confidence crises are part and parcel of the business landscape. By understanding the fluid nature of confidence, resetting expectations, and fostering a supportive culture, leaders can equip their teams to not only recover from confidence dips but also to emerge stronger and more cohesive. This approach doesn’t just rebuild confidence; it reinvents it on a more sustainable foundation.
Lorena Bernal
This article was used in CEOWORLD Magazine.
May 31, 2024
In our modern, fast-paced world, work often consumes a significant portion of our lives. It’s a realm where we contribute, learn, and strive. Yet, it’s essential to remember that work is just one piece of the vast puzzle that makes up our existence. Today, let’s explore how we can shift from merely enduring to actively finding joy and purpose in those days that seem just ‘meh,’ using mindfulness and self-reflection as our tools.
Work, fundamentally, serves various purposes. It’s where we can serve others, earn our living, grow professionally, and utilize our unique skills. However, it’s critical to recognize that our job is not the entirety of our lives. There’s a substantial difference between being in “work mode”—where the focus is on outcomes like financial gains, professional growth, or seeking validation—and embracing “I love my life mode,” which emphasizes enjoyment, gratitude, pursuing passions, and creativity. While some individuals are fortunate to find a job that ignites their passion, many are on a journey to find that alignment. For those still searching, integrating these different facets of life is the ultimate goal.
The concept of mindfulness plays a pivotal role here. Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, fully engaging with your current activities or the people you’re with. It involves letting go of anxieties about the future or regrets from the past, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the here and now. This practice is vital for both our professional and personal lives.
Importantly, you don’t have to disconnect from your true self while at work. Distancing yourself from your core during work hours can make it more difficult to reconnect with yourself later. Instead, leverage the parts of you that are skilled and passionate for your job, appreciating and being thankful for these traits. This doesn’t mean bringing your entire self to work but focusing on the aspects that thrive in your professional environment.
Moreover, it’s crucial to refrain from harshly judging your job. Viewing it as beneath you, mundane, or too critical only adds unnecessary stress. Every job has its importance, and recognizing the value in what you do, without comparison or judgment, fosters a sense of gratitude and presence.
Now, let’s delve into five reflective prompts designed to help you uncover the positive aspects of any workday and foster a deeper connection with yourself:
- How did I make a positive impact today? Reflect on your contributions, no matter how small, and appreciate the difference they made.
- In what ways did I grow today? Growth can be found in the smallest of steps. Acknowledge and celebrate these moments of personal and professional development.
- How can I approach tomorrow with curiosity instead of dread? Shifting your mindset to see potential challenges as opportunities can transform how you perceive the day ahead.
- Which aspects of myself did I bring to work today, and how did they enhance my tasks?Reflect on the skills and qualities you utilized, how they contributed to your success, and what you learned from focusing on them.
- Praise yourself! Recognize your resilience, accomplishments, and the hurdles you’ve overcome. Celebrating your successes, big or small, is crucial for maintaining a positive self-view.
Incorporating these prompts into your daily routine can significantly alter your perception of work, transforming mundane or challenging days into opportunities for growth and fulfillment. They encourage you to remain present, recognize your contributions, and balance your professional and personal life effectively.
As you conclude your workday, make a conscious effort to switch off from work mode. Reconnect with all aspects of yourself, not just those you engage with professionally. Embrace your hobbies, enjoy quality time with loved ones, or relish in moments of solitude. Life’s richness extends far beyond our jobs, filled with endless opportunities for joy, discovery, and contentment.
By finding the good in every day, you’re not merely surviving; you’re thriving. This approach not only enhances your workday but enriches your entire life, proving that even the most ‘meh’ days can hold value and purpose. Remember, every day is a new chapter in your vast, vibrant life—embrace it fully.
Lorena Bernal
May 31, 2024
As we move into the Spring months, this period of transition can be the perfect excuse to reconnect with ourselves and how we’re feeling mentally and physically. Are you coming out of Winter raring to go or are there any changes you need to make to realign your path – whether you’re looking to progress professionally, become healthier, or be more present in enjoying all that life has to offer.
With the new season in bloom, here’s how we can harness the energy of Spring’s fresh start and give ourselves a wellbeing boost to thrive in the months ahead.
Tip 1: Approach The Seasons As A Fresh Start
With the longer, lighter days and newly sprouted greenery, Spring is nature’s way of waking up and growing again. And just like animals, plants, and trees have their cycles, our belonging to nature also means we see these moments of change in our overall wellbeing. You may feel refreshed and empowered, glad to see the back of the Winter months, and want to channel this new-found energy into making positive changes in your life.
Use this period as a launchpad to let go of the old and make room for new growth in our lives. Explore what you have learnt and what you are grateful for in the months that have passed. Let this moment encourage you to reconnect with your natural self, embracing the chance to grow and renew just like the world around us.
Mindfulness exercises have become more popular over the years, but it’s a practice that dates back centuries. An easy way to incorporate it in your life is through exercise. Whether it’s a gym session or an outdoor run, a physical activity that gets the blood pumping can help us connect our bodies and minds. But when starting a hobby like this, it’s important to reflect on your journey. This isn’t about a relentless pursuit for achieving more, it’s about recognising the obstacles you’ve overcome and celebrating the discipline, effort and attitude that saw you reach the next stage.
Tip 2: Don’t Limit Yourself
We can often find ourselves caught in the chatter of our minds — constantly in the process of thinking, judging, and analysing the world around us. This mental noise can become overwhelming, generating fear, anxieties and stress that can negatively impact our wellbeing. But a new season is like starting a new chapter. It gives you a blank sheet to look ahead without limits and assess what you want to change. So take a moment at the start of a new week or month to write down your thoughts and goals, letting your imagination run wild.
Carving out time to daydream after being cooped up over the Winter can encourage you to quieten your mind and reconnect with what you’re truly feeling and working towards, outside of life’s daily routine. Get a pen and notepad and allow your ideas and emotions to flow freely on paper. This isn’t just about making a list of goals; it’s about visualising a future that excites you, motivated by the season’s promise of new beginnings. Ask yourself questions like ‘how am I feeling’, ‘what’s motivating me at the moment’, and ‘what will make me proud in 3 months’. Don’t be constrained by logic or limiting beliefs, just write whatever comes to mind and watch the excitement kick in. This will help you shape a life that you love every day as you work towards a goal that motivates you from your core.
Tip 3: Prioritise Time Outside
Sunlight, fresh air, water, and being outside are all vital for our health and wellbeing. But we can so easily get caught up with life’s stresses that we often forgo a moment outside for another tick off the to-do list.
Finding reasons to love being outside can be easier when the sun is shining brighter and the air getting warmer so make it a priority in your everyday routine as we enter the next stage of the year. It could be a long walk at the weekend, picnics in the park with your family, or travel plans to a new part of the world. We thrive when we’re in tune with nature so take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the changing colours of the trees and plants and breathe it all in.
Tip 4: Bring Colour into Your Life
The world becomes much more colourful in spring, so why not reflect this vibrancy in your day-to-day? A quick way to do this is updating your wardrobe. Search amongst your clothes for the colours, shapes and patterns that you love and make you happiest, and use these as a basis to freshen up your outfits for the season. Bright colours can boost your mood and energy, and your choices could brighten someone else’s day too.
The change in season brings a new variety of fresh foods that are both tasty and good for our health. A nutritious plate that is full of flavours and colours can give you a quick mood-boost, and eating these foods is a good way to support our needs during this time of renewal. Explore new dishes that feature seasonal produce and embrace the opportunity to try new things – whether it’s in restaurants or at home.
Tip 5: Strengthen Your Relationships
Despite technology enabling us to live in a hyper-connected world with immediate access to each other, the desire for deep, meaningful and – most importantly – human interactions have never been stronger. Spring is a great time to reach out to those around you, as the season encourages us to open up, share, and understand how all our lives are linked. Whether it’s catching up with old friends or making new ones, make reconnection and building your community a priority for this period.
A final word
This Spring, let’s remember that we are a part of the natural cycle and use this time of renewal to refresh our minds, bodies, and spirits. Take the time to acknowledge what’s passed and what’s ahead. By embracing the spirit of growth and new beginnings that the season offers, we can make positive changes in our lives that benefit our wellbeing all-year round and create a life we truly love.
By Lorena Bernal
This article was used on the magazine The Luxury Report.
May 31, 2024
Incorporating the insightful concept that our most visible assets may not necessarily represent our truest or most valuable qualities, we find a powerful narrative in Bella Hadid’s transition from modeling to launching her own perfume brand. Often, individuals, much like Bella, might initially focus on the most apparent attributes they possess—such as physical beauty in Bella’s case—believing these to be their greatest assets in their professional lives. This is particularly prevalent in environments where specific qualities are highly celebrated or rewarded.
However, a deeper connection with oneself can reveal that these celebrated qualities may not align with one’s true desires or potential. This journey of self-discovery often begins with a feeling of unease or dissatisfaction, signaling a misalignment between one’s actions and inner self. It is through attentive self-reflection and honesty that an individual can identify and unearth their truest qualities, even those that might initially seem less apparent or valued by others.
For HR professionals and team managers, this narrative underscores the importance of creating a workplace that nurtures not just the obvious talents but also encourages employees to explore and integrate their deeper, perhaps hidden, strengths into their work. Managers can facilitate this transformative process by:
- Encouraging Broad Exploration: Allow employees the space to explore different roles or projects within the organisation, which can help them uncover skills or passions they hadn’t realised were pertinent or valuable.
- Fostering a Supportive Environment: Develop a culture where shifts in career paths or role changes are supported rather than stigmatis This support helps employees feel safe to express their realisations about their true passions or skills.
- Offering Tailored Development Programs: Implement development programs that are not only skill-based but also focused on personal growth and self-discovery. These programs should encourage employees to delve deeper into their own values and interests.
- Recognizing and Rewarding Authentic Contributions: When employees bring unique aspects of themselves into their work, recognise and reward these efforts. This not only affirms their value but also demonstrates to other team members the importance of authenticity.
- Maintaining Open Dialogue: Regular one-on-one meetings where employees can discuss their feelings about their work and their professional path can be instrumental. These discussions should be genuine and focused on understanding the individual’s experience and aspirations.
Ultimately, true alignment occurs when an employee’s work resonates deeply with their core self, evident in how they lose track of time while working, show organic motivation, and possess a strong inner confidence about the quality of their work, regardless of external outcomes. By promoting these values in the workplace, managers can help employees find roles that not only utilise their most visible skills but also resonate with their deeper, perhaps undiscovered, selves. This alignment not only increases job satisfaction and productivity but also contributes to a richer, more diverse organisational culture. This is what every organisation should strive for—where employees are not only fulfilling roles but are also truly fulfilled by them.
Lorena Bernal
Article published in Grapevine Magazine.
May 3, 2024
In the ever-evolving world of business, leaders bear the brunt of navigating their teams through challenges and setbacks. It’s a daunting task, especially when trying to balance professional responsibilities with personal well-being. As a leader’s life coach, my mission is to help you find that equilibrium, ensuring you lead not only with efficiency but with empathy and understanding. Here are practical tips on how to manage stress and communicate effectively with your team, ensuring setbacks don’t derail your collective morale or productivity.
Embrace a Mindset of Gratitude and Achievement
First and foremost, it’s crucial to remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. Reflect on your journey—the milestones you’ve achieved, the obstacles you’ve overcome. This isn’t about relentless pursuit for more or a feeling of never being enough. It’s about recognising and celebrating your hard work, discipline, and the attitude that got you here. Hold a constant feeling of satisfaction, peace, and gratitude in your heart. When you operate from a place of gratitude rather than desperation or need, you approach every situation—setbacks included—with a positive mindset, seeing them as part of your success story.
Communication Without Burden
Your team looks up to you not just for direction but for reassurance during turbulent times. It’s essential to be honest about challenges without transferring the weight of your stress onto them. Start by managing your emotions: find healthy outlets for stress and strive to maintain an inner peace. This could be through meditation, exercise, or hobbies that disconnect you from work pressures. When you’re in a state of calm, you can address setbacks with your team in a constructive manner, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on the problems. Communicate clearly and confidently, and your team will follow suit.
Here, the notion of a “No Blaming Culture” is pivotal. In the face of setbacks, it’s a natural inclination to search for someone to blame. However, fostering a culture where the team understands that pointing fingers only adds stress and diminishes trust is crucial. Emphasise the unwritten law of mutual support—assuring your team that everyone makes mistakes, and what matters is the collective commitment to cover for one another and address issues as a united front. This doesn’t mean ignoring repetitive errors without accountability but rather ensuring that the initial approach is always from a standpoint of “we are in this together, sailing towards the same direction, ready to support each other through thick and thin.”
Perspective in Stress Management
In moments of stress, ask yourself and your team some critical questions to gain perspective: “Is this setback a defining moment or a minor hurdle in our journey?” “How have we overcome similar challenges in the past?” Sometimes, it’s okay to allow yourself a moment to feel disappointed or frustrated—it’s human. But it’s crucial to know when to move from wallowing to action. Encourage an environment where feelings are acknowledged but also channeled into productive outcomes.
Finding Closure and Moving Forward
When something goes wrong, finding closure is key to not harbouring negative feelings towards your staff or the situation. This involves openly discussing what happened, learning from it, and then letting it go. Encourage your team to share their insights and solutions, and celebrate the learning process. This not only helps in personal growth but strengthens the team’s bond.
The Fine Line Between Urgency and Stress
It’s important to differentiate between the sense of urgency and the overwhelming pressure of stress. Urgency drives motivation and action—it’s the thrill of chasing a goal, similar to the joy a child feels when pursuing what they’ve longed for. Stress, on the other hand, stems from a place of not wanting to be present, feeling unworthy, or overwhelmed. If you find yourself in the latter category, it’s time to reassess and find ways to reignite your passion and purpose, transforming stress into a positive driving force.
Remember, your team are your partners, not just subordinates. Your approach to leadership, particularly in how you manage stress and setbacks, sets the tone for the entire team’s work environment and productivity. By fostering a culture of openness, resilience, and mutual support, you’ll not only achieve your business goals but also ensure a fulfilling journey for yourself and your team. Keep the lines of communication open, embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth, and lead with gratitude and empathy. This way, you cultivate not only a successful business but a thriving workplace culture.
Lorena Bernal
Article published in Management Today.
