Leading with heart can be especially challenging for leaders who are constantly under pressure from all different directions, as we are today. In this article, we invite you to consider the first four of Grossman’s “GreatEi8ht” strategies and align with our coaching strategies and tools.

NUMBER 1: LEAD YOURSELF FIRST

How many times in our training have we offered the concept used on airplanes; flight attendants tell us to put our oxygen masks on first before helping children and others. Leaders must adopt this same mentality. Taking care of you first allows you to be more available to those counting on you. When you take care of you, magic often occurs…you avoid taking stress or frustration out on others.

This is the Self Awareness part of Emotional Intelligence. When you are self-aware, you know when it is or is not a good time to communicate information that holds the potential to bring blame, frustration, or worry.

The watch word here is “gentle.” How might you be as gentle with yourself as you desire to be with others? Self-compassion is important as it opens up the capacity for compassion for others.

NUMBER 2: KNOW YOUR STAFF AND THEIR NEEDS

There’s a lot going on in folks’ minds today. Lots of concern and fear. The goal here is to know your people, listen to them, empathize, support or coach them in the direction they are needed to go.

Remember, SCARF, the more uncertainty, the more stress and pressure grows. Communicate what you know they want to know and close the gap, bringing that sense of some certainty. You remember, with it comes a sense of safety.

NUMBER 3: SHOW YOUR HUMAN SIDE

Understandably, people have high emotions during uncertain times. Caring and empathy go the distance. Let your human side shine. Talk face to face, be present, listen fully by quieting the noise in your own head.

Empathy is so powerful. When you put yourself in another’s shoes, you are supporting them in understanding their own feelings; supporting them to move to the rational and more logical part of their brains and … Logic leads to greater calmness. Empathy, it’s a leadership move!

Use your Committed Listening skills. Full presence. The spotlight is on them…you are giving them Status!! You got this!

NUMBER 4: COMMUNICATE REGULARLY

There is so much uncertainty right now in the world, our schools and even our homes. People are operating on minutes, hours or days – not weeks or months. Be authentic, transparent and repetitive in your communications. Check in daily. Be visible. Have 10-minute huddles. Use your key people leaders as regular resources and multipliers of information. Clear is kind and communicating regularly is kind!

Resource: The Grossman Group: 8 Ways to Lead With Heart in Times of Uncertainty and Change, 2020