I want to share a personal insight from my journey of self-discovery and growth, especially about embodying the qualities we aspire to have.

Last week I revealed I was creating a set of Transformational Leadership and culture identity cards. It’s a tool I’ve been developing to aid in self-awareness and transformation. Each card represents a part of ourselves, both the challenging and the transformational aspects. Like a palette of paints, we use each part in context, making our personality and determining the quality of our interpersonal relationships. 🎨

Last week, a team member’s mistake triggered disappointment and frustration in me. In that moment, my mind knew who I needed to be, but my emotions said otherwise. It was a struggle to maintain my composure and reduce stress.

Coincidentally, I was working on a card embodying the mode of ‘Bonobo the Challenger’ then. This character embodies empathy, leadership, and collaboration. Initially, I had considered calling it a ‘Compassionate Feedback Giver,’ but it didn’t quite resonate with what I needed to be.

So, I renamed it ‘The Empathetic Mentor’.

This simple act of renaming and visualising the card shifted something in me. It prepared me for a different kind of conversation – one where I approached my team member as a leader and a mentor. The image on the card was a constant reminder to be mindful of my emotions and to ensure my feedback was constructive and empathetic. 🤝

This experience was a reminder of how powerful visual cues can be in embodying the traits we want to foster. The ‘Empathetic Mentor’ isn’t just a card; it’s a part of who I am and who I am becoming.

It can also be a part of a discussion around growing your leadership team and culture.

Have you ever experienced a moment where a visual or a symbol helped you align with your better self?

Let’s share and inspire each other! 💬

#TransformationalLeadership

#EmotionalIntelligence

#TransformingCulture

Michelle