There are many things in the world we do not control (nor should we try) events, circumstances, others responses, to name a few. However, those things whilst significant, are not defining in leadership

What is absolutely defining is how we respond and in what order when those events do inevitably happen

The first and most important step in this journey is to understand what we do actually control and then accept full responsibility for their outcomes – if we cannot do that then we have no right to lead – Self leadership must come first

– Personal effort
– Individual actions
– The words we say
– Our approach to listening
– Personal well being
– Growth Mindset
– The decisions we make

All these things we can absolutely control – how others see and receive outcomes of the above from you as an individual will define whether you inspire or disengage – the choice is entirely yours and the outcome of those choices you must accept responsibility for

How you therefore approach these areas is critical. Especially when events occur which are outside of your control (as many events are)

As a human being we are emotional animals, it is one of our great strengths, it can also be one of our weakness’ if do not understand channel them

We inevitably react emotionally first to things – that is how we are built. Our emotions gives us our most basic human responses – they are the energy that fuels our fires. We must embrace them and use them as a force for good

Yet – we must also recognise that emotional reactions, unchecked, can be destructive and damaging they can be raw. So it is critical we allow our brain to assess these emotions and filter them in a balanced way – to ensure our responses are proportional and intelligent

In that way we create the vital substance of emotional intelligence- that is response based on our emotions as human beings, but balanced with the intelligence of judgement, experience and circumstances

The critical prism which allows these things to happen in that way is to pause and refect. It may only be for moments….but to embrace the principle of reflective pauses is absolutely fundamental in optimising responses to situations

When we apply these principles, and apply them well and in the right order we have the greatest chance of energising in a positive way the superchargers of human inspiration namely

– Credibility
– Respect
– Trust
– Belief
– Commitment
– Loyalty
– Energy levels
– Engagement

Colleagues can see that as a leader, when circumstances hit them and you outside of your control, at the very moment they are looking most to their leaders for support and help, that the responses are calm, consistent and considered

When that happens the external impact on others is transformational. So aim to get It right everyday