Welcome to the Leader’s Lens: The Perspective Shift issue!

This is issue is to give you a fresh perspective and actionable tips that you can take implement in your leadership this week.

Send me an email and let me know how you plan on implementing this perspective shift in your leadership!

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Around 2020-2021, I had a big problem with the term “resiliency.”

If you remember the time, we were settling in with working from home because of the pandemic. We were all trying to navigate life at home while maintaining the workload provided from our organizations.

Every industry was hit hard: education, healthcare, tourism, retail, manufacturing. We all were affected by this dramatic shift in how we work.

But in that shift, an opportunity presented itself to encourage teams to endure the challenges they were facing and continue to work hard on their job.

It was a good message, but it was a message that was a bit one sided.

To me, it felt as if it was being thrown around leadership circles as a term to remind teams that we need to power through to get the work done, regardless of how you may feel and your personal wellbeing.

Especially since the events that occurred early in the global pandemic affected people differently. Some had to navigate childcare. Some navigated the uncertainty of their health and the health of those they love. Some were processing social unrest and its impact on their identity.

(Live look at life during that time period)

All the while, maintaining the demands of their high pressure job without any acknowledgement of how these intersections are colliding with a person’s mental capacity to sustain.

It felt as if organizations were encouraging our teams to “be resilient” without critiquing the system and structure they need to be resilient in. The work didn’t stop, for some it increased. But the organizations inability to see how building up the team’s workload and the increasing demand for their team’s availability was a pathway for burnout.

None of this is to say that we should not learn how to bounce back from adversity. None of this is to say that we should avoid seasons of hard work and knowing how to navigate uncertainty.

What I am saying is that there was an opportunity to communicate balance, evaluating systems, and understanding the role leaders have in our employee’s wellbeing that was missed during that season during the quick eclipse of work and life overlapping together.

From then on, I wanted to reframe what “being resilient” looked like and share that with other leaders so we can do our best to not work our team’s to the ground for the sake of achieving results. My approach was to share how resiliency should be a restorative practice, rather than a phrase to further perpetuate grind culture.

As we approach the end of the year, it’s essential to reflect on the true essence of resilience. While yes, it is a tool to endure hardship, could it also be a practice that requires intentional pauses, rest, and recalibration?

The holiday season is often a time of hustle, deadlines, and trying to wrap up the year’s work. As leaders, we feel the weight of this even more as we juggle our responsibilities to our teams and organizations.

However, resilience is not about simply enduring; it’s about the ability to pause, reflect, and restore ourselves so that we can lead from a place of clarity and strength.

Read on in this edition of the Leader’s Lens. I invite you to shift your perspective on resilience and embrace a new approach for this holiday season and in 2025.

Reframing Resilience

The Myth of Nonstop Hustle

As stated, resilience is often equated with unyielding perseverance.

There is an unsaid expectation that we must push forward without rest. But I believe that true resilience is about balance, not staying on your grind 24/7.

In my quest to reframe resilience, I created a guide and presented it with a few organizations.

One of the key insight is that resilience involves knowing when to push and when to pause. As leaders, we must model this behavior—not only for our own well-being but also for the health of our teams.

If we are constantly running on empty, we cannot lead effectively.

What if resilience at is core is about creating space for both action and rest? How can we develop the Lens to see when our teams need encouragement of that balance?

Take the opportunity to reflect on how you can incorporate balance into your leadership style, recognizing that the pause is just as important as the push. Look into your organizational processes and systems to review if the high demand is necessary and if it will negatively impact your team’s wellbeing.

Building Resilience Through Reflection

One thing that is true about me is that I am a major advocate for self-reflection.

And the end of the year is the perfect time for reflection.

Before diving into the busyness of the new year, take a step back and evaluate how you’ve navigated challenges, led your team, and fostered growth.

Reflection allows us to see what worked, what didn’t, and where we need to grow.

Ask yourself:

• How have I navigated adversity this year, and what lessons have I learned?

• What personal resilience practices have helped me lead effectively?

• How can I create space for others to reflect and grow in my team?

This time of year offers a chance to slow down and gain clarity on the path forward. Use it to deepen your understanding of what resilience looks like for you, your team, and your organization.

Rest as a Pillar of Resilience

(Shout out to Cory Allen for posting this recently!)

While resilience often conjures images of overcoming adversity, one of the most powerful aspects of resilience is rest.

The constant drive to “do more” can wear down even the most seasoned leaders and team members. However, rest and recovery are vital for a sustainable workplace culture.

As leaders, we can set the tone for our teams by prioritizing rest and modeling it for them. Taking time for self-care sends a message that rest is integral to long-term success and well-being.

Make it a priority to step away from work, set boundaries, and recharge.

Whether it’s through physical rest, mental reflection, or emotional connection with those you love, find what recharges you and make space for it.

Focus on your health and wellbeing first. The work will always be there.

Actionable Steps for You to Practice this Season

You can design a space where resiliency can look different for yourself and others. Here are 4 categories where you can practice it.

Self-Care for Resilience

• Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Use this time to disconnect from emails and meetings, allowing yourself to recharge.

• Incorporate activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit—whether that’s journaling, practicing mindfulness, or enjoying quality time with family.

• Reflect on the year and acknowledge both successes and challenges, noting the lessons you’ll carry forward into the new year.

Team Resilience:

• Encourage your team to reflect on their year as well. Create space for them to share wins, challenges, and lessons learned.

• Promote mental and emotional well-being within your team by ensuring they have access to resources like counseling or wellness programs.

• Consider offering flexible work hours or additional time off to help your team balance their work and personal lives during the holiday season.

Create a Culture of Reflection:

• Before the end of the year, host a reflection session with your team. Ask questions like: “What has helped you thrive this year?” and “How can we build on our strengths in the new year?”

• Use the reflection as a tool for personal growth and team alignment as you head into the new year.

Evaluate the Work

• Review the work that has been brought on to your team. Understand the demand and evaluate if it warrants the level of urgency or if it can be prioritized effectively based on your team’s capacity.

• Address the root cause of the problems your team’s have been facing and engage them to identify sustainable solutions that would support their ability to thrive in the workplace.

As you head into this holiday season, I encourage you to give yourself and your team the gift of rest, reflection, and resilience.

How can you leverage this time to pause and reflect on the growth you’ve experienced as a leader and the growth you want to see in the year ahead?

Take a moment to reflect on what resilience has meant for you this year. Commit to incorporating more balance and rest into your leadership practice in the months to come.

You and your team are capable of navigating adversity in a restorative way, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Wishing you a restful and rejuvenating holiday season!

Ray

P.S. - Thank you to those who have filled out the survey letting me know more about your leadership journey! I am excited to dive into the results over the next couple of weeks to provide you with resources and content that will support your leadership! If you haven’t filled it out yet, do so by clicking the link here!