In my last resources newsletter, I discussed the 3 A-list skills leaders can build to help them in these times of drastic change – Authenticity, Ambiguity and Adaptation. I also mentioned that another A-word, Anxiety, has been top-mind for leaders of all levels during these past few months.
Recently, EQ guru, Daniel Goldman, suggested that having hope in these ambiguous times, is in fact a leadership strategy (when also accompanied with purpose and meaning at work). It is one way to address overwhelming anxiety, or the feeling of defeat during difficult challenges or setbacks. Hope is what we experience when we have some level of confidence that a positive outcome will eventually result. With acronyms that describe the state of the world moving from VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) to BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible), Goldman declares that “hope might be the number one imperative for teams.” Referring to Victor Frankl’s definition of tragic optimism, it’s important to hold on to the belief that something good can always happen, even amid circumstances we can’t always control.
Rather than let anxiety paralyze good leadership during constant change of this magnitude, leaders can rely on their social awareness and EQ skills, find and pursue purpose and meaning for themselves and their organizations, and “lead with pragmatism and hope hand in hand.”
When I ask Google ‘what is a word for not having anxiety’, the words easy-going, happy, and jovial pop-up. Granted ‘happy’ means different things to different people, but wouldn’t we all rather be constantly happy than constantly anxious? For those who don’t know her, Mel Robbins is a New York Times best-selling author and host of the award-winning The Mel Robbins Podcast. She has amassed 21 million followers online and is considered the most sought-after expert in life improvement, mindset, and behavior change. Mel’s latest book/theory, “Let Them” is just like it sounds…stop trying to control or manage others and instead focus on what you can control – your own reactions and choices. Adopting the ‘let them’ approach can lead to more emotional peace and improved relationships.
If you’re still not convinced letting go will make you happy, try some simple things like being kind or believing in kindness, sharing a meal with others, and advocating for well-being programs and policies in the workplace and your community. And check out The Happiness Lab to learn the latest scientific research and hear inspiring stories related to happiness.
Read: The New Way to Lead Through Change
Read: Five Pandemic Era Lessons on Leading Through Drastic Change
Watch: These Simple Things Can Lead to a Happier Live
Listen: Mel Robbins Let Them Theory
Listen: The Happiness Lab Podcast
My work as a leadership coach is to help clients see things from different perspectives, to break unproductive behavior patterns, and to adopt more effective behaviors through internal and external self-awareness. It has been the job for more than 20 years, through good times and challenging ones. Letting go and believing in the power of hope are not new or revolutionary ideas – yet they are important time-tested tools for your leadership toolkit.
All the Best,
Loretta Stagnitto