One of the hallmarks of true leadership is taking ownership, taking responsibility. Yes, we have all known, and worked with, people who don’t do that. They are quick to take credit when things go well and even quicker to point fingers when things, as happens, don’t go so well.
When we lead with heart, and honesty, we share the glory when we have success and we work to course correct when things go awry. We accept that “nobody is too good to do anything” and that we all have a part to play, whether times are good or challenging.
Leading with heart requires us to be fully invested. And that is both a gift and a cross to bear. Our commitment to our work and to our people is unshakeable and that is vital. But the complication can be difficulty maintaining perspective.
Fully investing with your whole self matters, there is no doubt about that but learning to separate yourself is equally critical. It is a fact of life that we are not going to make everybody happy all the time, that we are not going to be universally successful or beloved.
It requires us to learn to care deeply as well as learn to take a step back and try and de-personalize when the situation warrants. There are times when we have to step away from the opinions of others, or from negativity and let it go. Those middle-of-the-night rumination as we go over the reactions and words of others, as we scroll through our worry list, don’t help us move forward. But, what if you closed your eyes and visualized pushing those thoughts out of your mind, You can even bring your hands in front of your eyes, take that negative thought between your palms and shove it away.
Creating space for ourselves, seeking the balance between deeply caring and protecting ourselves does not come automatically for those of us who are heart-centered leaders, but it is an effort we must undertake.
Leading with Head and Heart 