The Leadership Break
Episode: Leading Through Grief – A Leader's Journey (Part 1)
Host: Paula Chapulis, PCC - ICF Certified Leadership and Mental Health Coach
Episode Overview:
Navigating leadership while experiencing personal loss is one of the toughest challenges a leader can face. In today's episode of The Leadership Break, I share my personal experience of leading while grieving, as well as practical strategies to support yourself as a leader during times of loss. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In this episode, we focus on how you can manage your own grief while continuing to lead effectively. In Part 2, we'll explore ways to support team members who are grieving.
Key Takeaways:
- Acknowledge and Validate Your Emotions
- Grief is a natural part of the human experience, not a sign of weakness.
- The RAIN Principle (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) can help process emotions.
- Being open about emotions can foster trust within your team.
- Prioritize Self-Care and Seek Support
- Self-care isn't just about external comforts; it's about inner kindness and self-compassion.
- Therapy or counseling can provide valuable support, especially for complicated grief.
- Peer support groups and mentorship can be powerful resources for healing.
- Practice Open and Transparent Communication
- Honest dialogue helps create a culture of trust and resilience.
- Setting and communicating boundaries is crucial to prevent burnout.
- Temporary shifts in productivity are normal—be upfront about your needs.
- Set Realistic Goals and Adjust Expectations
- Reassessing priorities can help you focus on what truly matters.
- Delegating tasks can create opportunities for team growth and development.
- Adapting your leadership style to your emotional capacity can build resilience.
Tune in to Part 2 for more insights on how to support grieving team members while maintaining a strong and compassionate leadership presence.
Resources & Links:
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