Think on Purpose

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In this episode, Jen explores the Motivational Triad—seeking pleasure, avoiding pain, and conserving energy—and how it affects our efficiency as leaders. We discuss how these principles, while essential for survival, can sometimes hinder our leadership effectiveness.  By recognizing and addressing these natural tendencies, you can significantly improve your leadership skills and overall effectiveness.

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Jen explores the concept of vertical development and how it can help leaders become wiser and more effective. Addressing the widespread issues of burnout, stress, and mental health challenges, Jen emphasizes the need to move beyond treating symptoms and focus on stretching our capacity to think in new and different ways. She highlights the critical role of coaches in the vertical development process and provides practical strategies for leaders to access higher stages of thinking, feeling, and doing. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Addressing Root Causes of Burnout: Instead of merely treating the symptoms of burnout and stress, leaders should focus on vertical development to fundamentally change how they think, feel, and act. This approach helps build resilience and fosters growth.
2. The Role of Coaching: A coach is essential in the vertical development process, providing an objective perspective, accountability, and guidance. Most people need external support and scaffolding to successfully navigate their developmental journey.
3. Strategies for Vertical Development: Leaders can access higher stages of development through reflection and self-awareness, mindfulness and meditation, seeking feedback, challenging assumptions, and embracing failure. Leaders need to go first in order to help their team members also grow in wisdom.

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Jen explores the concept of fallback in leadership development, discussing its similarities with the shadow side and emotional childhood. She provides a clear definition of fallback, explains why it’s a normal part of the human experience, and identifies when it tends to occur. Jen also shares practical strategies for leaders to manage and grow from these challenging moments.

1. Self-Awareness is Key: Recognizing when you're experiencing fallback is the first step. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to identify patterns that indicate you're reverting to less effective ways of handling situations.

2. Practice Self-Compassion: Understand that fallback is a normal part of growth. Instead of criticizing yourself, acknowledge that everyone has a shadow side and moments of emotional childhood, and show yourself kindness and understanding.

3. Get Support: You probably have a tax person, maybe a personal trainer and other resources in your life - it's time to get support for your brain, too!  Reach out if you are interested in taking the assessment to identify your stage of leadership development.  

Want more info on living and leading with intention and purpose?
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Many leaders struggle with the same problems (or their team members do!) - and of course we need leadership skills, but that's not enough in an ambiguous, complicated and ever-changing world.  Jen introduces the framework of Vertical Development and demonstrates how the same skill is executed very differently based on mindset.  

Want more info on living and leading with intention and purpose?
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In this episode, we discuss why leaders shouldn't always solve their team's problems and the importance of mastering our own emotions to empower others.

Key takeaways:

1. Recognize and address your own emotional blocks to improve delegation.
2. Allow your team to face challenges and learn from their mistakes.
3. Use a three-step process: notice the urge to jump in, allow it to settle, and get curious about your need to control.

Want more info on living and leading with intention and purpose?
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Jen discusses how leaders can navigate situations where they wish circumstances were different, but can't change them. By shifting their mindset and responding purposefully, leaders can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and set a positive tone for their teams.

1.  Shift from asking "why" to "how" you can navigate the challenge and focus on turning it into an opportunity.
2. Acknowledge and accept unchangeable circumstances to free yourself from the mental burden of resistance and move forward with a positive attitude.
3. Communicate transparently with your team, seek input, and focus on actionable steps that align with your goals and values to make a meaningful difference.

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Jen tells listeners about her recent experience of an unwanted pest in the house that led to a reflection on perspectives.   She explores why it's so important for leaders to be able to see things from different perspectives, highlighting how it enhances empathy, improves problem-solving, and improves results. Key takeaways include:
- stay curious and ask your peers/teams for their opinions
- listen for how they are feeling
- listen without judgement

If you find this to do, hire Jen to work with you or your team!  Reach out at [email protected]

Want more info on living and leading with intention and purpose?
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When someone else acknowledges your hard work, it feels amazing - but what if you could also give the same gift to yourself?  Jen tells her story of hitting 150 workouts and the gym and how another member helped her access pride in herself.  Jen suggests the following ways to cultivate pride in yourself:
- Celebrate your wins (and you get to decide what a "win" looks like)
- Practice self-compassion
- Reflect through journaling, with a coach, with a bestie

What does pride feel like for you?

Want more info on living and leading with intention and purpose?
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In this episode, Jen and Dr. Shannon have a candid conversation around the significance of pronouns and their impact on our understanding of gender. Dr. Shannon, a retired OB-GYN and gender education expert, shares insights on the basics of gender, pronouns, and how to respectfully navigate these topics in everyday interactions.   Whether you can't quite wrap your head around using "they/them" pronouns, or you are comfortable with topics on gender identity and gender expression, Dr. Shannon is full of insight and wisdom. 

This week's key messages:

1. Understanding Pronouns and Gender: Pronouns are essential in respecting someone's identity, and understanding the difference between biological sex, gender identity, and gender expression is crucial.
2. Importance of Respecting Pronouns: Using the correct pronouns is a simple yet significant way to honor someone's identity, acknowledging their inner sense of self.
3. Handling Mistakes Gracefully: If you use the wrong pronoun, apologize briefly, correct yourself, and move on without over-explaining or justifying the mistake.

Reflection Questions
1. How comfortable are you with asking someone their preferred pronouns, and what might be holding you back?
2. Can you think of a time when you were misgendered or had your name mispronounced? How did it make you feel?
3. What steps can you take to create a more inclusive environment in your professional and personal life?

 Click  here to learn more about Dr. Shannon and her business, Engender Love.

Want more info on living and leading with intention and purpose?
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In this episode, Jen explores the concept of cultivating your internal and external board of directors to enhance your leadership journey. Your internal board consists of the different aspects of your personality and inner wisdom, while your external board includes trusted individuals who provide diverse perspectives and expertise. By leveraging both boards, you can make more informed, authentic decisions and navigate the complexities of leadership with greater confidence. Tune in to learn how to build and nurture these essential support systems.

Want more info on living and leading with intention and purpose?
Click here for Jen's links.