Your team knows when you’re reactive.
Even when you think you’re hiding it pretty well.
I work with high-performing leaders who are masters at trying to look calm on the outside while feeling out of control on the inside.
The thing is, presence can’t be faked. Your team unconsciously feels your nervous system state, whether you’re aware of it or not.
I remember one business owner telling me, “Where I go, my team goes.” She was talking about her attitude, her stress level, and her ability to respond instead of blindly react. Her tone set the tone for the entire team.
Did she practice it perfectly? NOPE. But her awareness helped her practice this consistently.
Reactive leadership creates reactive teams. Centered leadership creates space for new ideas, for measured change, and for honesty within the team discussion.
The difference isn’t personality or experience. It’s consistent practice and improvement with responding – curiosity first, questions next, more curiosity, and open/active listening through it all.
And that’s a skill that can be developed.
Warmly,
Angie