Healthy Leaders Remain Relational

Hey, Jason.

Healthy Leaders REMAIN RELATIONAL despite tension and unpleasant emotions.

Last email I share that Heathy Leaders = Whole Brain Leaders. [Miss this blog? Click here]. Part of being a whole brain leader is that you always keep relationships bigger than the problem at hand. You avoid making a person just a problem to be solved.

What does this look like? Well... you know that feeling of defensiveness? That feeling of just wanting the person to agree with you so that you can move on? It's that posture where you lose all curiosity, kindness, appreciate, and you just want the problem to go away. Guilty? Me too.

Simon Sinek has a quote that states:

"Leadership is not a rank, it is a responsibility. Leadership is not about being in charge, it is about taking care of those in your charge. And when we take care of our people, our people will take care of us."

THE TIP & TWEAK
This week, when you face tension and disagreements, be aware of your posture. You body and how it feels. Is your lip tight? Are your fists clenching. have you lost sight of the relationship?  Be intentional about taking care of this person in your charge, rather than being in charge and just desiring to fix the problem.

Marcus Warner, author of Rare Leadership, gives a helpful acronym to REMAIN RELATIONAL in these moments that spells CAKE. Who doesn't like cake? (Some I know... but THIS CAKE is good).

Curiosity
Appreciation
Kindness
Envelope

The CAK I've already explained... but what is the ENVELOPE? It is enveloping crucial conversations in RELATIONSHIP language. As you remain curious, as you appreciatethe person, as you are kind, validate the relationship as you begin, then say what needs to be said, then close the conversation with relational validation.

Why? Some brain science here: Right Brain/Fast Track Brain is emotional and requires validation and relational language in order to defuse the emotional response so that logical problem-solving conversation can take place.

THIS WEEK
🔥This week, look over your calendar or your Right Side Up Journal, and find your meetings and crucial conversations that need to be had... what is your plan to use the CAKE acronym?

🔥This week, practice CAKE with your spouse or a friend.

Cheers to a healthier week!