Beyond Anxiety
5 Keys to Lead with Resilience
Leaders function as the immune systems of the institutions they lead-not because they ward off enemies but because they supply the ingredients for the system's integrity.
Edwin H. Friedman
How can we cultivate a resilient immune system for our community? Rather than resorting to quick fixes, which often signal anxiety cycles, I advocate for a series of strategies to tackle this issue. Some of these strategies may appear counterintuitive and even countes vital to recognize that anxiety can sometimes masquerade as productivity, leading you to believe that you're making significant progress when, in reality, you're just sprinting in the same detrimental cycle. This reactive approach can be harmful to our collective well-being.
The five elements provided by Friedman that we talked about in our last post on leadership are:
Reactivity 2. Herding, 3. Blame Displacement 4. Quick-Fix Mentality 5.Lack of Well-Differentiated Leadership
Sunset after a storm-Vlorë, Albania
There is sunshine on the other side of the storm. Here are my five elements of a healthy leadership approach.
1. Reflection
In many ways, we are provoked and even expected to react immediately. However, by choosing to pause, take space, and reflect, we empower ourselves to respond thoughtfully and not reactively. The email, WhatsApp text, call, or any other urgent demand can wait. Don't respond in the rush of the moment. You can approach decisions calmly and thoughtfully, seeking guidance. Pre Decide the time you will take to respond to a demand, classify the type of demand, and allocate the time and space you need to reflect.
2. Unity in Diversity
Finding a balance between honoring individuality and fostering togetherness in a stress-filled environment can be difficult. However, when we embrace diversity and recognize each person's unique contributions, we create a sense of unity and common purpose. This makes me think of the analogy of the body used by Paul of Tarsus in his letter to the Corinthian church community. In this analogy, each body part, such as the eyes, ears, and legs, is crucial and has its own unique function, but they all work together for the greater purpose of the body. Just as the nose is not the ear, and the leg is not the hand, each part serves the body in its unique way. No part of the body can dominate and claim sole ownership. We should have the confidence to listen to the concerns of our team members while staying focused on our mission and work. This unity in diversity is a powerful tool for our collective success.
3. Compassionate Accountability
Blame displacement often focuses on forces that have victimized us rather than taking responsibility for our being and destiny. Instead, let's practice compassionate accountability, a powerful tool that fosters trust and commitment. This involves understanding and addressing issues empathetically while holding each other accountable for actions and growth. According to Nate Regier, Ph.D., in his book "Compassionate Accountability," Compassion isn't just a soft sentiment; it's a strategic and transformative tool that can reshape interactions, cultures, and organizations. It upholds that people are valuable, capable, and responsible.
4. Holistic Transformation
A quick-fix mentality seeks immediate symptom relief rather than fundamental change. This approach often deals with symptoms, not the core cause. Suffering serves as an indicator of deeper issues that need attention or strengthening. Listen to the suffering; try to avoid providing a quick fix. Transformation happens over time, not in an instant. Anxiety demands immediate results, but actual change asks, "What do I need to bear now that impacts the long term?" Embrace trials as opportunities for growth, developing steadfastness and deeper faith through life's challenges, thus discerning and achieving what is good and perfect. This transformation journey is not easy, but it can inspire and motivate you to become a better leader.
5. Clarity of Self
A lack of well-differentiated leadership contributes to reactivity, herding, blame displacement, and a quick-fix mentality. Effective leadership requires self-clarity and emotional regulation.
Clarity of Self: Be clear about your values, beliefs, and goals.
Emotional Regulation: Maintain a non-anxious presence to navigate crises.
As much as we can appeal to psychology, mindfulness, and other techniques, this is also spiritual. It requires outside help. As a person of faith, I believe in developing what I call 'spiritual authority'’. King David, from biblical narratives, provides a compelling example. He led during a time when people were highly reactive, engaged in blame-shifting, and sought quick fixes.
It's fascinating to observe David's transformational journey in the narrative. Instead of changing the people around him, God took David on a journey through the desert. This journey allowed David to understand himself, his identity deeply, and his relationship with God as his ultimate authority. Through this journey, he grew in maturity, character, and spirituality.
Practical Healthy Behaviors
Be Present to Others: Engage fully with those around you, showing genuine interest and concern.
Cultivate Playfulness: Incorporate joy and play into your routine to relieve stress and build positive relationships.
Cut/Limit Sources of Anxiety: Identify and reduce exposure to sources of stress, such as excessive news consumption or toxic environments.
Don’t Walk Alone: Seek support from a community or trusted individuals to share burdens and gain perspective.
Set and Communicate Boundaries: Clearly define, recognize, and communicate your physical, emotional, and spiritual limits. Avoid overcommitting, and ensure you take time for rest and self-care to sustain your health and effectiveness.
Prioritize Physical Health: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and ensure adequate sleep. Good physical health can significantly reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.
Be Present to God: Spend regular prayer and reflection, seeking God's guidance and maintaining a close relationship with Him. (for those who believe)
🖌️Please take some time to reflect on the following guided questions:
How effectively do I pause and reflect before responding to urgent demands?
Am I fostering unity and diversity within my team or organization?
Do I practice compassionate accountability, or do I tend to blame external factors?
By embodying these principles, leaders can foster an environment where individuals balance personal responsibility with collective well-being, seek long-term solutions over immediate relief, and navigate challenges with spiritual and emotional resilience. These theoretical concepts and practical tools can be implemented in your daily leadership practices, giving you the confidence and hope for a healthier, more effective organizational culture.
Until next time, I am cheering for you to Lead Well: leading with purpose and compassion.
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A FREE BONUS
For Christian leaders: If you're interested, please comment below to request a free 10-page lesson on how to lead as a spiritual leader with a non-anxious presence. We will send you the PDF.