Beth Ruffin, Global DEIB Strategist at PowerToFly, joined by Noelle Johnson. Through a Q&A format in our 60min session explored strategies and practices that can help individuals build resilience amidst change and uncertainty.
In the spirit of continued learning, we're sharing access to the Courageous Conversation so that you can watch it on your own time and learn more from our subject matter expert.
📝Key Takeaways
After watching the session, you will gain the following insights and actionable steps:
1. Empathy Creates Psychological Safety During Change
Psychological safety means employees can show up as themselves, question things without being reprimanded, and challenge systems without being othered. Empathetic leadership during change builds this safety.
Action: Adopt the phrase "be curious, not furious" when encountering resistance to change, asking open questions to understand the underlying concerns rather than becoming frustrated.
2. Effective Leaders Balance Directness with Warmth
As Noelle explained, "We can still have the direct conversation and be warm about it. We can still be empathetic without giving people the information that they need...it can be honest, it can be direct, but there can also be warmth in that conversation."
Action: When delivering difficult news, make yourself available afterward instead of "dropping heavy information and then being gone," showing you care about how the information impacts others.
3. Self-Care is Essential for Empathetic Leaders
Holding space for others' emotions during change can be draining, so empathetic leaders need their own support systems to avoid burnout.
Action: Create what Noelle calls a "personal board of directors" – a small group of trusted colleagues or friends who can provide perspective and support when you're navigating difficult changes.
🗣️About Our Subject Matter Expert
📽️ Access the Recording
📊 What Comes Next?
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