Why are the most powerful leadership abilities labeled as "soft skills"? Anna and Kendall challenge this terminology while exploring how vulnerability and emotional intelligence create transformative workplace culture, inspired by insights from Esther Perel's recent interview on Diary of a CEO.

"I don't like the term soft skills. Let it be known as well," Anna declares, highlighting how these abilities represent some of the most challenging and impactful leadership competencies. Both hosts emphasize that healing professionals naturally develop these skills through their training, making them uniquely positioned for trauma-informed leadership.

The conversation delves into the delicate balance of showing vulnerability as a leader while maintaining professional boundaries. Kendall shares how they create "safe containers" during team meetings where both staff and leadership can authentically share challenges without compromising workplace effectiveness.

"There is still an understanding that we can't let our home lives impact our work here," Kendall explains, illustrating the nuanced approach required when implementing these principles in healthcare settings.

Both hosts discuss practical strategies for creating environments where team members feel safe requesting support, from regular check-ins to modeling vulnerability as leaders. They emphasize the importance of "efforting"—their term for the intentional work required to maintain high-quality team dynamics and patient care.

The episode offers valuable insights for wellness practice owners seeking to develop emotional intelligence, improve communication, and create workplace cultures where both clinician support and employee well-being thrive through authentic leadership approaches.

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