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Writer's pictureMyste Wylde

On Culture: The Hidden Power of Self-Care in Leadership



Dear Culturati Insider,


The only constant in life is change. So how can we lead others effectively if we neglect ourselves? I've recently embarked on a personal journey exploring EMDR therapy and holistic wellness practices—including infrared sauna, cold plunges, red light, and compression therapies, along with supplementation for a balanced microbiome, journaling, and a healthy dose of introspection. These experiences have been both challenging and validating, reinforcing a profound truth: our own well-being is the cornerstone of sound leadership, significantly shaping our leadership style and the choices we make.


Whether you're experiencing transitions in your personal life or feeling the effects of global disruptions, prioritizing self-care remains a vital imperative for leading others successfully. While emotional intelligence has long been valued, deepening our emotional maturity empowers us to manage the complexities of the modern world with greater resilience and insight.


As we transition from traditional hierarchies to agile, skills-based frameworks, nurturing ourselves can enhance personal growth and professional success. Granting ourselves permission to recharge, setting healthy boundaries, and being mindful of our own needs also enables us to lead by example.

Moreover, by championing mentorship, fostering psychological safety, and stimulating innovative problem-solving, we can craft environments conducive to mutual flourishing. In adopting this holistic framework, we as leaders commit to a path that not only fosters our own growth but also bolsters the resilience and adaptability of our organizations.


To being well,

Myste Wylde, COO


P.S. Join us Thursday, October 24th at 11:30 AM CST for a Culturati: LIVE on "Prudent Leadership: Medieval Wisdom for Modern Business" featuring Rev. Steven Tomlinson, PhD. and Dr. Anthony Baker, Professors at Seminary of the Southwest. Register here.

 
Companies Are Craving Executives With Emotional Intelligence—These Are The New Expectations For Business Leaders

Fortune

By Emma Burleigh

 

Summary: A recent LinkedIn report reveals a 31% increase in C-suite executives from S&P 500 and venture-backed "unicorn" companies showcasing soft skills on their profiles (since 2018). This shift emphasizes the growing importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, as AI advances automate intellectual tasks and highlight the need for human-centric emotional work. Key soft skills like effective presentation, strategic thinking, communication, and conflict resolution are now pivotal. Aneesh Raman, LinkedIn’s Chief Economic Opportunity Officer, points out that essential leadership qualities—curiosity, compassion, courage, communication, and creativity—are increasingly vital. He also notes the emerging challenge of quantifying these skills, marking a new frontier in developing a skills-first labor market.


 
5 Changes Leaders Will Need To Make In Order To Survive The Future of Work 

Fast Company

By Ravin Jesuthasan and Tanuj Kapilashrami

 

Summary: As workplace trends evolve, leaders are transitioning from traditional hierarchical structures to agile, skills-based frameworks, emphasizing empowerment and integrating AI to enhance human-machine collaboration. This proactive approach ensures swift adaptation to technological advances. A consistent commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is also advised, embedding these principles into every interaction rather than as isolated efforts. Leaders are deepening their tech fluency to navigate and leverage new technologies effectively, and by shifting from rigid processes to flexible project guidance, they can facilitate quick team assembly and adaptable organizational frameworks. This forward-thinking leadership style prioritizes contributions and character over titles, aligning with the demands of the future of work.


 
A Self-Care Checklist for Leaders

Harvard Business Review

By Palena Neale

 

Summary: Despite its known benefits, many leaders struggle to implement self-care effectively. Insights from a leadership training with 30 educators revealed a common lack of regular self-care practices, a trend consistent across various industries. Effective self-care requires significant mindset shifts, including granting oneself permission for care, realistic self-assessment, and adopting healthy habits incrementally. Strategies for nurturing emotional health include learning to regulate emotions and prioritizing relaxation. Leaders are also encouraged to cultivate positive relationships, establish autonomy through intentional choices, and commit to manageable changes like integrating micro-workouts and mindful eating. Embracing self-care is a strategic approach that enhances both personal well-being and professional efficacy.


 
Manage Boundaries Better With Your Team

MIT Sloan Management Review

By Angela R. Grotto, Maura J. Mills, and Erin M. Eatough

 

Summary: A study based on data from over a billion LinkedIn users reveals significant employee discontent with leaders breaching work-life boundaries, with 76% viewing after-hours contact as an intrusion. The research shows that 83% of individuals face disruptions twice a week, with 41% reporting an increase from pre-COVID times. This blurring of work-life lines poses challenges in managing boundaries effectively. While 96% of U.S. professionals desire flexibility, unwanted interruptions hinder their downtime, impacting career satisfaction and retention. The data underscores a workforce paradox where flexibility needs to be balanced with clear boundaries. Leaders are now tasked with mastering this balance, acknowledging diverse employee preferences in a hybrid work setting. The approach involves setting explicit communication standards and boundaries early in professional relationships and adapting organizational strategies to support work-life integration, ultimately enhancing engagement and productivity.


 
How to Develop Empowered Leaders Within Your Own Team

Entrepreneur

By Sam Rockwell

 

Summary: Effective leadership is about recognizing team potential and creating environments that nurture self-leadership. With 58% of managers lacking formal training and 67% of U.S. employees disengaged, according to Gallup, it’s critical to focus on empowerment, mentorship, and psychological safety to bridge this gap. Encouraging risk-taking and innovative problem-solving helps reveal hidden leadership qualities and drive innovation. Moreover, organizations that shift from task management to mentoring, establish psychologically safe spaces for expression, and support creative approaches to challenges are well-positioned to develop a robust pipeline of future leaders.


 

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LEADERSHIP AND CULTURE


C-SUITE


EMPLOYEES


A.I. AND TECHNOLOGY


CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY


INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, BELONGING


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