Emotional intelligence (EQ) – Rubberband creations

“Look Up!”

This year, my focus is on two simple yet profound words: “look up.” Initially, these words served as a lighthearted reminder while playing a number game on my phone. I often needed to remind myself to glance at the top row of numbers to avoid missing anything. However, “look up” has recently taken on a deeper, spiritual significance for me, reminding me to fix my eyes on Jesus.

I tend to dwell on things I can’t change, replaying past words, actions, or imagined scenarios in my mind. Sometimes, I get stuck in negative thinking, unable to shift to a more positive perspective or understand things from someone else’s viewpoint. At times, I feel isolated in my struggles or believe that God doesn’t want me to be happy. There are moments when my comfort zone holds me back, preventing me from taking action. It’s all too easy to create our own problems.

Three Ways to Manage Leadership Expectations

Over the past few months, we have delved into Brené Brown’s insights on emotions as outlined in her book, Atlas of the Heart, with a specific emphasis on understanding their impact on women’s leadership. We’ve examined uncertainty and comparison. This month, we’re turning our attention to the intricate dynamics of expectations.

According to Brown, unmet expectations often give rise to a range of emotions, including disappointment, regret, discouragement, resignation, and frustration. She categorizes expectations into two main types: those that are unexamined and unexpressed, and those that are consciously acknowledged. Both types have the potential to significantly influence our leadership trajectories if left unaddressed.

To navigate this terrain effectively, consider the following steps:

Avoid the Pitfalls of Comparison

We recently began to explore Brené Brown’s work on emotions as presented in her book Atlas of the Heart. Our focus is on emotions in relationship to leadership. Last month we looked at the impact of uncertainty on leadership. in this writing, we will look at comparison.

According to Brown, while comparison is not a specific emotion, it is an activity we can’t avoid.

Emotions and Leadership: Dealing with Uncertainty

Over the past few years I have become interested in the work of Brene Brown, a researcher and author, most known for her work on vulnerability and courage. In her most recent book, Atlas of the Heart, she digs into the realm of emotions. There she explores and describes the experiences that, in her words, “Define what it means to be human.” Over the next few months, I will share with you some of Brown’s work on emotions, specifically in relationship to leadership and our ability to lead from a place of health.

So, let’s begin with uncertainty, a part of life we can’t escape.