Growing Confidence in Your Loving Leadership
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Does this feel familiar…
“I believe that ‘less fear and more love’ is the best way to work. But I fumble trying to explain what I mean and people end up confused or skeptical. To me the reasons seem self-evident, but for my others, it's not. I want to give my colleagues better answers and be a positive influence. But I don't know where to begin.”
Back in 2015, this is exactly where I was. I had an epiphany about the harm done by fear and the benefits of love in the workplace. But I didn’t yet have the clarity I needed to explain it in a way others could understand.
My gut and heart knew, but my mind had to work through some important questions so I could lead and speak up for love effectively.
So what did I do?
Over several years, I grappled with and answered a series of key questions about love and fear, leadership and work. This empowered me to speak coherently to my team and peers about love. I grew more comfortable and confident in my practice as a Loving Leader too.
Why is this important?
As a Loving Leader, I'm guessing you want clarity about your choices and the ability to guide others away from fear and toward love. So it helps to be prepared for how colleagues might respond. For example…
Some will push back and others may make fun of love, while still others may try to school you in traditional fear-based ways of leading. By reflecting on and answering core questions for yourself, you'll be able to stand in your reasoning and convictions.
On the positive side, others may see how you are leading and want to learn more, so you'll be ready to share your insights more effectively to increase their understanding.
And sometimes, on the hard days, you'll need reassurance, too. Afterall, leadership can be tough sometimes.
What kinds of questions do Loving Leaders need to answer?
What is love? What is loving leadership? How is it different from other ways of leading? What made you choose this way of leading? And many more, each answering from our own perspective and in our own words.
Clarifying what love means in your leadership while reflecting on daily leadership challenges builds your confidence, resilience, and credibility. It equips you to stand firm in your values and communicate effectively, especially when facing skepticism so you can positively influence your team and workplace culture.
This clarity can anchor you during challenging moments, helping you model reflective practice, and address the often invisible dynamics of fear and love at work. Then you can lead in a more human, compassionate way.
What questions do people ask you about Loving Leadership? What answers do you share? And, what questions do you grapple with yourself? Reply and let me know!
And if you are ready for a dynamic and effective way to clarify your Loving Leadership thinking and practice, check out the Loving Leadership Challenge and Circle. On this 12-week journey you'll answer a series of key questions I've found to be essential, plus have access to a supportive community that will revolutionize your Loving Leadership practice.
I'd love to have you join us!