In 2017, I heard about a Mexican woman, living in Cancun, called Teresa Carmona, (Unreported World). A mother whose twenty-one year old son Joaquin had been murdered amongst the seemingly unchallenged violence of drugs cartels and generalised criminality.

In keeping with a cultural tradition of mothers and grandmothers embroidering names of loved ones on handkerchiefs; she embroidered a cloth in his memory.

By the way of peaceful resistance, her action became bigger as she decided to create embroidered cloths for all those who were murdered in Cancun with the purpose of making the violence seen. She achieved this by hanging the cloths in a park every Sunday and inviting others to join her in embroidering.

Her story has stayed with me for these past two years, and I think of her often and I am inspired. Her love for her child and concern for her community did not require permission or a need to follow some existing pathway. It was the strength of her love that directed her activism to make known the human loss and pain being experienced.

Over the past two years, I have heard many leaders and social media influencers say a lot of things and yet it is Teresa Carmona’s story that I return to the most. Her dignity and intelligence combined with a desire for truth which she expressed creatively made an impression on me, another mother, nearly 5,000 miles away.

There is a lot to be admired in women who are inspired by love. For there can be a courageousness, a passion, commitment and determination that has expression like no other. 

 

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At the beginning of this year I made a decision about how I was going to direct my professional energy and what I wanted to do in quite concrete terms. I had a plan. However, as the year unfolded and as I was developing ideas to support this vision, I began an awakening process and gained a realisation that the decision had closed down my creativity, innovation and inspiration. I had sort of  locked myself in to a regime of my own making that was limiting my potentials. This did not feel comfortable and I ceased to have enthusiasm.

As a consequence, I dropped the ‘big’ idea and instead started noticing the conscious choices I was making, as well as the smaller choices I habitually made without much consideration. What I found was, the more I became consciously aware of my ability to make a choice in any given situation, external events such as, other people’s behaviours, corporate values and the tone of a general discourse became opportunities for me to stay with, develop or change my direction. This process helped me to dynamically come away from a decision based upon, what seems now, an old trodden path and freed me up to explore new avenues of interests and creativity. I gave myself up fully to the notion that I don’t have to, through pure self will design my professional future.

If I am going to make any decision right now it is this one:  all I need to do is continuously choose wisely, in a way that reflects my true self and contributes positively to society as a whole. The rest (whatever that might be) will follow.

 

If you would like to find out more about me and my consultancy please email: karen@trueleadershipconsultancy.com

 

 

 

I have been reflecting on what connects us to our spirit of humanity. My sense of humanity informs me that at some level and in most ways we are in this vast story of human experience together. There may be cultural and political systems that serve to separate us out from each other. However, our personal similarities link and bind us more if we allow that to happen.

This can be a challenge when throughout our media we are offered a broad landscape of what is ‘wrong’ with individuals, business and global political agendas. I notice that when I get caught up in the news furore I am allowing myself to be controlled by an external force that takes me away from focusing on the type of positive contribution that I want to make in society.

In any case, in most situations of things going ‘wrong’ there are the courageous, compassionate, loving people doing amazing actions to restore order, take care and make a positive contribution regardless of the constraints or consequences. Their humanity looks past the danger, limitations and difficulties to get to the restoration of what is good and true for us all.

We are encouraged to be impressed by the scaling up of business, wealth and lifestyles. To make a positive difference there really is not an absolute need to scale up. There are many smaller charities, endeavours and individual actions that are continuously and consistently changing people’s lives for the better. There are also those located in corporate locations whose integrity touches all  they come into contact. They work in a way that increases production and enhances workplace cultures on many levels.

I am not waiting for others to make my world better or to help me change and I am inspired by all those who have scaled down and are making a difference. They know the truth which is this: regardless of external events and our societal roles we can choose to make a positive contribution every day of our lives.

If you would like to find out more about me and my consultancy please email: karen@trueleadershipconsultancy.com

The human body has a physiological process called homeostasis. This is concerned with regulating the internal environment of our bodies in order for us to function effectively. Therefore, our bodies have inherent mechanisms to restore equilibrium. It is a necessary part of human biology, that allows our bodies to make adjustments, should conditions become less favourable.

Given that we have a natural system that regulates internal equilibrium, I believe that it follows that humans will feel most comfortable and valued if their external work environment is designed in a way that  promotes team equilibrium.

It seems to me, that on the whole, most individuals will prefer to work within organisations that have a sort of cultural homeostasis.  What I mean by this is that there is a stated, considered approach that promotes a steady, responsive and respectful culture which has the potential to adapt at times of pressure or change. A resilient culture that encourages interdependent working relationships based on respect, trust and mutuality within a shared and known vision.

A culture such as I have just described will foster an environment of effective communication, strong production practices and highly engaged teams. This type of work place is great to be a part of and everybody involved will feel it.

Unlike biological homeostasis, organisational homeostasis does not happen inherently. Therefore, it will be necessary for key stakeholders to decide that they favour teams working in the way I have described. Once this decision has been made and agreed to; an amazing workplace can be consciously created, nurtured and maintained.

If  you are struggling to retain valued team members I would love to help.

Email: karen@trueleadershipconsultanncy.com

Making a difference by getting to the heart of the matter.

 

Much of my adult life has been involved with paid work and I have gained a sense of meaning and value through my experiences. I recognise that I am very fortunate to have had roles that inherently feel worthwhile as they directly help others to improve the quality of their lives.

My connection with others and my desire to make a positive difference engages my creativity and commitment. I am fulfilled.

I am relational, I feel, I care. I care about what I do, and how I pursue my desires. I don’t think I am that different to most other adults, but I might be somewhat more optimistic than some.

I love my work, it is part of how I contribute to society and I am rewarded with great feelings and of course the means by which I live.

When I am working with like minded others who share the ideal of making a positive difference, who are willing to achieve their best within a healthy culture, potentials become realised, productivity is enjoyable and there is a lovely ‘buzz’ that is tangible. I believe this type of culture can be created and maintained if there is the belief that it is possible (it is), and it is deemed a necessary, and worthwhile part of a business plan (it most definitely is).

I hope you are having great workplace experiences.

http://www.trueleadershipconsultancy.com/

 

 

 

When I cannot sing my heart, I can only speak my mind – John Lennon

I am absolutely entranced with the concept of leadership. I believe that when individuals become empowered through a sense of authenticity, meaning and purpose which is balanced with a desire to contribute to the good of the whole they become leaders regardless of where they are located personally and/or professionally.

My meme for leadership is this: Leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Great leaders will positively influence the lives of many individuals. They will speak from their hearts and have the courage to convey that quality without apology and will successfully inspire and engage others to follow their vision and mission.

Someone in a leadership role who is unable to fluidly understand the importance and value of emotional connection may struggle to lead teams. He or she is likely to rely heavily on operations and procedures and ‘punishments’ for failure to comply. This becomes a downward spiral as employees casually ‘tick boxes’ and ‘do what they are told’ but show signs that indicate loss of real commitment.

Some words that I use that make my heart sing and show I am in my authentic leadership style: harmony, power, honesty, autonomy, efficiency, elegance, certainty, respect, dignity, kindness, fun, ethical, humanity, quality, courage, caring, vision … there are many more.

Is my approach ‘too soft’ for leadership? I obviously think not. Anyone who knows me is aware that I balance my heart with a strong rationale. However, I feel that an unquestioned mind can convince and change perspectives in a way that lacks morality and a sense of humanity.

When employees know that they are part of something that has an ideal of greater good with clearly stated principles; regardless of the service, product or overall endeavour, they will have an inclination to invest themselves professionally and emotionally. Employees will experience and contribute to a positive work culture which they will promote and are able to influence. As a result, they are more likely to be engaged and fulfilled and it will be illogical to distort something that feels great to be a part of.

If you would like to talk to me about my views or consultancy work please get in touch. 

http://www.trueleadershipconsultancy.com/

 

 

 

It is useful for those in leadership roles to reflect on how honest they are able to be at any given time. Having a willingness to be honest is the starting point for those wanting to attract others to follow within a vision, purpose or any type of group endeavour.

Honesty and leadership go hand in hand because as soon as others have a sense of deception, hear a lie or experience an inconsistency a type of disengagement ensues. Respect can be diminished, and over time the company product or purpose may become devalued. If there is an inability for team leaders to model a culture of honesty, employees may struggle to maintain a unified sense of integrity and will follow a similar distortion. This will inevitably effect production or quality of service, as a type of malaise sets in that is revealed in employee conflict, higher levels of illness and poor staff retention. There will be less developed thinking around best performance and as with all dishonest systems – there will be a lack of trust.

We can get out of the habit of being honest, especially if feeling constrained or stressed. This may be because it feels easier to disguise the truth. Although this tactic may relieve the pressure in a particular moment – this avoidance behaviour is often likely to have longer-term negative consequences.

It is easier to be honest than not. It is physiologically stressful to lie. Being honest will free you to lead with courage and conviction for the good of the whole. Honesty is an underlying and subtle quality so there is no need to be brutal. Continuous honesty balanced with kindness and straightforwardness is essential in building strong, trusting and respectful relationships.

Honest, trusting, respectful and happy workplaces do not happen by chance they are developed and maintained by team leaders. If you would like to talk to me about my views or consultancy work please get in touch. 

Email: karen@trueleadershipconsultancy.com

Mobile: 07765 554045

True Leadership Consultancy

Promoting Happiness in the Workplace.

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It is my intention to contribute in a positive way to society every day. I believe that it is our smaller responsive and consistent actions that make the most difference to others in the workplace. I am fortunate enough to have many memories filled with the kindness, authentic guidance and support of great mentors who helped shape how I have become professionally. They were people who were efficient and reliable.  Generous with their wisdom, and respectful to my views.  They were also encouraging of me and valuing of my achievements. All those qualities inevitably built trust in our working alliance and brought out the best in my work performance.  These mentors have had a lasting impact, I still feel a sense of gratitude toward them many years later.

I suspect, for most people it will be  these types of genuine work place relationships that get remembered and associated with a sense of fulfilment. At the time they are happening, these good feelings result in improved motivation, which allow us to be fully involved in and contribute to organisational success.

If you want to make a positive difference as a leader, maybe take some time to think about how you might want to be held in mind by colleagues, perhaps for years to come. This may shape and direct how you lead, hopefully enhancing the daily life of those around you.

If you would like to talk to me about my views or consultancy work please get in touch:

Email: karen@trueleadershipconsultancy.com

Mobile: 07765 554045

True Leadership Consultancy

Promoting happiness in the workplace.

Employment is directly linked to security and our human need to create secure homes for ourselves and our families. For this reason, work feels highly personal for many people. The majority of colleagues that I have worked alongside value the idea of staying and growing professionally within an existing work location, rather than have the uncertainty  of joining a new venture.  If your organisation struggles to retain employees there will be something within the organisational system that is failing your teams.

To retain employees, I believe that it is important for leaders to recognise that given the right conditions, it will be teams driving profitability, quality of service or production. They will also increase your corporate good reputation by shouting out to the world how great the company is to work for. Effective leaders will provide a sense of security and continuity by being trustworthy, authentic, reliable, appreciative and respectful. They will create moments to engage fully with team members and find opportunities to help employees find personal and professional fulfilment in their roles. These qualities will be shown in actions as well as words and can be relied upon in times of change and uncertainty. These conditions are the starting point of creating amazing work locations, that all, who are involved feel proud and fortunate to be part of.

If you would like to talk to me about my views or consultancy work please get in touch:

Email: karen@trueleadershipconsultancy.com

Mobile: 07765 554045

True Leadership Consultancy

Promoting happiness in the workplace.

I may have felt in the past that I had an innate sense of who I am and that I had some kind of task or endeavour that I had been born to achieve. However, I am not sure that is so true for me now. It is more that, who I am, is a continuous process and my purpose has become a sum total of my ever changing potentials.

My style of leadership is a reflection of what I want others to know of me and is influenced by the values I have developed over time. These values and beliefs have been formed as a result of my personal and professional life. This is a continuous and consciously aware process – it prevents me being stuck in outmoded thinking and limiting behaviours. It makes my role as leader, dynamic, exciting, reflective and ultimately  shows me that I am totally responsible for my choices.  Even if, in hindsight, I would have acted or chosen differently. That’s the continuous development part of the process of showing myself truly. This necessary illumination and learning can be as uncomfortable as it can be gratifying.

My style of leadership requires that those wanting to work with me are fully aware of how I am and what my values are from the outset. It is also prudent for me to gain an understanding of who and what I am offering my professional self to at the beginning of any arrangement.

How amazing and fulfilling would it be to build working relationships based upon honesty, transparency, mutual respect and shared ideals?

If you would like to talk to me about my views or consultancy work please get in touch:

Email: karen@trueleadershipconsultancy.com

Mobile: 07765 554045

True Leadership Consultancy

Promoting happiness in the workplace.