School is starting again and with that glorious time of the year also comes much planning and thoughtfulness about the past year, its goals and challenges; and as always, the new challenges and craziness are coming right at us.

In this unprecedented time of societal and economic upheaval, leaders feel more powerless and anxious than ever. What will this new normal look and be like? What will the never ending COVID variants bring us in another boatload of “uncertainty?” With every educator determined to make it a year, attempting to get back to normal, somehow the stream of public information about safety is equally daunting. One thing we know for sure is that the “coach leaders” we have had the pleasure to know in our seminars desire to show up with a calm and positive mindset. As challenging as it can be, hoping a few reminders and tips will support that determination and intention of every leader!

David Grossman supports leaders to drive productivity and get results. How does he do it? He does it with authentic and courageous leadership and communication. As a sought-after speaker and advisor to Fortune 500 leaders and three-time author, his book, 8 Ways to Lead With Heart in Times of Uncertainty and Change, offers some very powerful and concrete actions for leaders to take the lead and communicate with heart and guts during these crazy times. These ideas offer a clear direction to be the very best leader and communicator you can possibly be during another challenging year.

“The measure of a great person is not what they do in times of comfort and convenience but where they stand at times of challenge.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It’s relatively easy to lead when times are good. It takes a lot more courage, heart and grit to lead during the tough times. Now more then ever, leaders play a pivotal role in connecting, calming, inspiring and motivating their teams. Grossman believes the big part is leading with heart.

We all know that as a leader, we make, or at the very least, influence the weather. Our emotions have the power to create a stormy day or even a tornado when we project a sense of uncertainty, panic, anger or blame. Equally, we also have the power to create sunny days and clear skies when we use our emotional intelligence. This leadership role is so very critical today and so challenging. Employees look to their leaders to support them through the storms with wisdom, grace and heart. Grossman offers these attributes of leaders who lead with heart:

• Strong sense of self
• Courage
• Compassion
• Humility
• Caring
• Serving others
• Listening
• Adapting
• Wisdom
• Transparency
• Authenticity

Leading with heart can be especially challenging for leaders who are constantly under pressure from all different directions, as we are today. So, next time, let’s walk through the first four of Grossman’s “GreatEi8ht” strategies that align with your coaching strategies and tools as a “coach leader.” Resource: The Grossman Group: 8 Ways to Lead With Heart in Times of Uncertainty and Change, 2020