Stress. We all have it, and we all deal with it in different ways. While how we cope may look different, addressing stress in the workplace is important. When we try to deny it is present, we might avoid the person or situation causing it, or blow up about it because it has been going on for far too long. Finding a format to step back and reflect on before responding might help to not cause a strong reaction.
Own Your Authenticity. In this work, we don’t have a ton of extra energy and time to worry about what others think of how we lead, however it is important to lead authentically.
Stop overthinking your decisions and what people might think, and do what you have been called to do.
Jessica Cabeen
You will only lead well when you want to lead from your position and in a way that is authentically you. Gaining insight and advice from others on how to handle a situation is important, taking that insight and tailoring it to your unique style is essential.
Assess the Situation. While the situation or circumstance might not be your fault, it is your responsibility to address it. Leading with Grace may mean you assign ownership and accountability to others. By taking the time to step back and assess you will have a greater understanding of what to do next.
- Observe the Situation. Are you seeing it for yourself or going off what others are reporting? While leading authentically it is important to be present and see the behavior first-hand. Make sure you are addressing the right thing, and that the other person knows you have seen it.
- Observe for Multiple Days. This gives you an opportunity to see if what happened was a one-time incident or a more pervasive problem. For example, a staff member reports another staff member is ‘always late to work’. By observing and gaining the feedback you might understand the complexity of the problem, or find out it was a singular incident after all. Losing sleep over second-hand reports and assumptions causes more stress than necessary. Looking at a situation more analytically and less subjectively also gives everyone a little space and grace in identifying root causes and solutions.
- Ask Questions. This is a great way to ensure that you understand what is going on. In this step, the challenge is to find the right questions and the right time. Address things privately and make sure you are self-regulated enough to ask the questions, and listen to the response.
Address It: Stay Away from the Spray and Pray.
As a teacher, I saw this happen, and as a leader, I am sure I have done it as well. When one person is doing something incorrect-the leader tries to correct everyone or put in new rules for all that are really only meant for only one. Instead of creating more systems that make things more unmanageable, try talking specifically to the person who is engaging in the behaviors. By being authentic rather than beating around to bush or avoiding the confrontation you are demonstrating integrity and laying out expectations.
Not Perfect, But Purposeful.
So you may have talked too fast, the receiver of the message may have had a stronger response than expected, however you reflect on how you addressed the situation-take time to recognize that you had the hard conversation and didn’t hide from it. Being authentic also comes with a little vulnerability. We can’t own who we are if we are not ready to admit we have more to learn.
Being authentic in your work and words take brave action. The more often you try the less scary it will be.
Here to help,
Jessica
For more information check out Lead with Grace.
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