There is so much change in the air.

I am full of heaviness and exhaustion yet vulnerability and open-mindedness. I’m confused yet empathetic and intentionally listening and learning. But this I know: there is strength in me, and there is strength in you. We have the ability to show up – for ourselves, our communities, and our people. Maybe you are in the same boat. You are wondering what to do or how to serve your community or your team during this time. I want to show up for you. So, if you’re feeling wordless, weighed down, or burdened, consider the thoughts below and how you can channel your inner strength during this time.

Show Up

Come as you are – with all of your emotions, fears, doubts, and empathy. Showing up is not about being perfect. Showing up is about being THERE for people and serving them however imperfect that may be. At the end of the day, people want to know you care about them and they are not alone. Showing up does not require perfect words, actions, or knowing all of the answers. All showing up requires is making yourself open and available to the needs and feelings of others. As a leader, committing to showing up for yourself, your peeps, and your community is the most important thing you can do during times of uncertainty and change. Let your people know you are there for them and will make time for them if they need you. A prominent thought leader and author Bob Goff writes, “You don’t need a plan; you just need to be present.” 

Accept Perspective

One important way of showing up is being willing to have open-minded conversations. We all have different experiences, beliefs, traumas, and influences in our lives that impact the way we see the world. While accepting different challenging perspectives can be hard, that is also how we grow! Be open to listening to new perspectives and engaging in conversations that challenge yourself and those around you. Be bold, vulnerable, and compassionate. Large scale change starts one conversation at a time. As a leader, step out and be courageous in having conversations that grow you and your peeps.

Emotion is NOT Bad

We experience emotions for a reason; emotions are indicators. Back when we were hunter-gatherers, anxiety was an indicator that danger was near and we needed to be on our guard. These days, anxiety is no longer tied to hunting, but the emotions that come along with it can often indicate that something is not right either internally or externally. During these times, it is important to recognize that our emotions are not the enemy; they whisper truths about ourselves we may not become aware of otherwise. However you are feeling, take some time to check-in with your emotions and ask yourself what is causing you to feel the way you do. Furthermore, check-in with your peeps and ask them what specific emotions they are feeling right now.

I’m here. I’ll continue to show up for you and our community, and I am committed to learning along the way. Keep showing up. Keep having hard conversations. Keep checking-in with yourself and others. YOU are strong, my friend!

I love you.

Annette 

ABOUT ANNETTE WALTER

Much like Marcus Lemonis, host of CNBC’s “The Profit,” who lends his expertise to struggling businesses, Annette analyzes businesses, supports them with the right resources, and designs the plan they need in order to go from surviving to thriving.

Annette Walter has started, acquired, owned and operated more than 15 companies in her lifetime. As a wife, mother of two young boys, and owner of a national company, Timber Industries, that was included on last year’s Inc. 5000 list, she is able to serve her true purpose and passion in coaching and consulting entrepreneurs through her business coaching company, iEvolve Consulting. Annette works with business owners across the globe in various industries to support their overall well-being, teams, and operations. As an operations expert and strategist, she works with business owners to help them identify organizational gaps and opportunities in their companies. She works with businesses to help make their finances, marketing efforts, technology solutions, and sales more efficient and effective.

If you would like to know more about iEvolve Consulting, visit: http://www.ievolveconsulting.com, or send an email to YouRock@iEvolveConsulting.com.

Purpose. Process. Propel.

Contact: YouRock@iEvolveConsulting.com