When Leadership Promotes Vitality

Posted on April 18, 2023 by Susan Husa, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

Leading by example requires a well-defined idea of leadership. When the responsibility is not clearly defined the leader is stressed. Knowing what the expectations are of a leader animates confident leadership. Vitality Persists. Leadership is like seeing something from a distance and not being fully clear what it is until you get up close and personal. For example, images of large objects in a tree seen at a distance become clear the objects are large birds when examined up close. Prior to that at a distance all sorts of ideas are considered about what the object might be; ornaments, garbage, large birds, nests, the imagination goes on. It’s no different being clear about who you are. When you are clear about who you say you are, you are fully engaged with your identity. A leader is someone taking full responsibility for their own agency and is able to help others thrive as they develop their own. Gain a better perspective with the use of curiosity. Curiosity provokes a closer exploration through research, reflective thought for discovery, purpose, and identified values. Leaders need to define who they are and what purpose they serve.

Years ago a few classes into coach training, an experience of feeling vulnerable contributes to personal growth in leadership skills. In front of thirty cohorts one of the instructors asked who my Leader within is. At this point the new concept being explored is every human has a Leader within guiding our better choices. Contrary to that, every human has a Saboteur within tempting us in a negative way. Being a woman of great strength in my faith, Jesus came to mind. Prior to my time in front of the room, other coaches had shared what their Leader within was like as they were coached in front of the room by the instructor. There was no mention of Jesus. Fictitious names, names of famous people, and even shiny objects were used to describe their Leader within. Coming into the coach training was a time when confidence was on a scale of 1 – 10, a 9. Until this moment. Feelings of uncertainty, thoughts of being such an idiot struck me and revealed to me extreme feelings of vulnerability. There was some personal work to be done.

A few more questions were asked of me, and there was no comprehension. Stress overcame any clear thoughts. The only thing loud within me was finally blurted out. The instructor sat up straight listening to the request to answer her question about who my Leader within is. My Leader within got the best of me! The courage to share Jesus is my Leader within felt bold to say. Most of the people in the room were used to corporate meetings and this was not like the past ten years of a normal Bible study setting I had been in. Feeling a bit of culture shock, something that had been experienced about twenty years prior in my profession, still had some familiarity. At this point though, there is uncertainty if Jesus as my leader within even correlates to what is being taught. The turmoil of whether to reveal or not is what led me today in speaking confidently about my beliefs. The example is outstanding for showing the signs of vulnerability and how to overcome them with the courage to speak out with convictions regardless of judgements from others.

Experiencing fear, in the case presented (being judged by others) a leader is influenced by a Leader within bringing forth confidence. The experience is profound. The importance of acknowledgment of a Leader within shows the Leader within is at bat regardless of even the awareness or acknowledgment. The conscience is aware. There is a feeling of dissonance or resonance. Noticing fear or confidence and the choice of one or the other. Something is being sorted within the person. The Leader within is a Power within. Confidence rules truth, fear rules unease. Not to be mistaken for confidently fearful for the sake of moving swiftly to avoid harm. Unhealthy fear may take hold as a truth that serves no value. The value that could be added is trumped with fear rather than what is true. When focus becomes fixated an action is compelled. The Leader within in this case is acknowledged as the power of Holy Spirit within. A Higher Power is being acknowledged. There is wonder and acceptance beyond explanation providing confident, respectful expressions of love.

Experiences with the Leader within prompts leadership beyond comprehension. The discernment develops and forms trust to a better way miraculously standing with confidence. The Leader within steers direction alleviating any stress. Freedom prevails. The view of the landscape gives way to grace. Environments are supported with confident leadership encouraging respectful freedom of expression to create and contribute. Confident leadership helps others become aware and clear of their Leader within. Individuals thrive in nurturing environments. A confident leader facilitates transformative conversations. Conversations involving facilitated expression of thought eliminating fear and promoting clarity produced from the Leader within. Meaningful and purposeful exchanges prevail.

Overcoming stress requires an action. Learning how to stop the stressful thoughts requires acknowledgement. Stop. Pause. Collect. In the moment, confident leadership stops to acknowledge showing an example. Confidently pause to engage with your Leader within. Silence offers a time for all parties to examine thoughts. Collect your thoughts, then be clear before speaking. Wherever you are, use this method in all conversations. Be confident with silence however and wherever your conference in communication is established. Be slow to speak. When fear strikes in any form, notice what it is and name it. The experience described above led many cohorts to talk with me. The fear of judgement was overcome by a force much greater than the fear. Almost as if it was being spoken for me. Notice what you may be relating to for yourself here. When a leader shows up with vulnerability, others come forward to address their own vulnerable state of mind. So many of the cohorts that day and the day after shared their experience with me. The witnessing of people resonating with my experience and their encouragement was heartwarming. When stress strikes, take a moment to tap into your Leader within.

Share hardships and journeys through life with others. Relatable insecurities promote exploration for identifying what may be suppressing their own leadership on something important. Instead of withholding and creating unpleasant environments, contributions are made where a feeling of trust and camaraderie are present. Empathy and compassions are prevalent on the foundation of respect and love. Leaders! Get the help you need to lead well. The energy field in the environment becomes toxic because it reflects everyone showing up reserved rather than with vitality and confidence to be the wonderful people they are.

Be aware of what holds your attention. Notice and name the turmoil or act with respectful, loving attention. The way for overcoming the dissonance is to first acknowledge it is there. After naming it, determine what is actually resonating? Be grateful for the blessings that shape leadership skills. Hardships may be met with your belief about your Leader within and attached to the way in which resonates. The relationship may be indescribable and one that will point to a best choice. Feeling vulnerable becomes a means to choice. Accepting the feeling and knowing how to act on it confidently and securely. There is nothing more nurturing and soothing than to be focused on what the Leader within says is true. Getting to know your Leader within develops faith in the Leader where peace resides within you. In arduous moments, the practice of clinging to what the Leader within says will be that which encourages leading with unconditional love to self and others. Peace permeates your soul and a reflection of your Leader within.