Change is never easy, whether you’re navigating a restructuring at work, recovering from an illness or facing some other unexpected turn in life. During these times, it’s natural to feel unsure, but it’s in moments of disruption that your leadership really counts. Committing to lead yourself with clarity, resilience and self-compassion during periods of uncertainty sets the tone for others and ensures you remain focused, no matter what comes your way.
Marlene Chism, a consultant, speaker and author, believes that self-leadership is at the core of great leadership. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we highlight her thoughts on the universal principles of self-leadership that can help you stay grounded and lead with confidence.
1. Manage your impulses. Chism notes that good decision-making requires working from the pre-frontal cortex, not the primal brain. In other words, when you’re emotionally compromised and have no more bandwidth, you’ll react compulsively. She advises getting the support and rest you need to maintain capacity during difficult times.
2. Embrace imperfection. Remember that you don’t have to be perfect. In fact, she says it’s a good practice of self-awareness to notice the ripple effect of your less-than-perfect choices. Impulsive decisions remind you of how your emotions affect your decision-making. If you make an imperfect decision, use it as a lesson to make better decisions down the line.
3. Push past your limits. Chism understands you may want to give in to your perceived limits. She had a knee replacement in her 60s and felt tempted to slow down. However, she urges others to constantly challenge the voice in their head and refuse to stop growing. Growth always comes from pushing past comfort, she says, whether it’s physical recovery or professional development.
4. Be choosy about who you listen to. Not every mentor is right for you. If advice feels bad in your gut, she says to listen to that feeling. It’s important to use discernment and critical thinking, Chism says, and avoid the noise of uninformed opinions.
5. Control your mindset and focus. It’s normal to have good days and bad ones, but don’t buy into the story that something is taking too long or you’re never going to be successful. Chism recommends stepping away from unnecessary stressors, like scrolling through social media and engaging in arguments with people who aren’t open to changing their mind. Instead, she advises aligning yourself with your desired outcome. Where you put your attention is where you put your energy, she says.
It’s normal to feel uncertain during moments of disruption, but you can emerge on the other side stronger and more confident. It all comes down to staying patient and committed to your growth, even when the path seems unclear.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Marlene Chism is a consultant, speaker and author. She works with leaders to create drama-free cultures that drive growth and reduce costly mistakes.
