As a leader, you probably feel the pressure of every decision. You might find yourself questioning whether you’re doing enough or if your team is moving in the right direction. It’s normal to keep these doubts to yourself, but over time, this quiet self-criticism can wear you down.
That inner critic—the voice that tells you you’re not quite measuring up—can lead to burnout and decision fatigue. It’s like driving with one foot on the brake and the other on the accelerator; it creates internal friction, affecting your mind, body, and ultimately, your work.
But this isn’t just about personal well-being.
Your team are just like you. You probably have noticed (hahaha) that your team find it easy to point the finger. Judging others, the system and you probably behind your back. All a symptom of an inner negativity that points to themselves and others.
You’re not alone in this struggle—many leaders experience a negative culture and battle their own negative inner self talk.
When we’re (you, me, your team) hard on ourselves, it can also lead to external judgments and team conflicts, shifting focus from collaboration to blame. If this resonates with you, there’s a path forward.
Finding a Better Way: Embracing Self and Team Acceptance
Recently, I introduced the Transformational Leadership and Culture Identity Cards at a workshop with the Business Enterprise Centre. It was inspiring to watch as a team broke free from these patterns. Niall Richardson, the CEO, noted that the conversations sparked by the cards made his team feel more connected and productive.
The cards helped the team become more aware of their inner critics and the ways they communicated under stress. By sharing their experiences, they found a new language for talking about their challenges—one that replaced judgment with understanding.
These tools aren’t just about reducing criticism; they build a more compassionate dialogue with yourself and others. When the burden of perfectionism lifts, it creates space for authenticity and real collaboration.
This shift doesn’t just improve how you feel; it changes how you lead. By embracing self-acceptance, you set the tone for a culture where everyone can show up as their best, most authentic selves—without judgment.
Feel like you need a system or framework to work better together?
I’d love to have a conversation.
Warmly,
Michelle
P.S. Click here to see why I use animals in my cards.
Useful Links
Buy my Transformational Leadership book
Do a Leadership Team Framework Diagnostic
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