Becoming An Emotionally Safe Leader
There’s no question that creating an emotionally safe culture where employees can show up as their whole selves is wildly important. And while we can encourage open communication, practice empathy, establish clear and consistent boundaries and promote inclusivity and diversity, a big way that we can create an emotionally safe culture is by becoming an emotionally safe leader.
As a leader, the level of emotional safety that you embody directly impacts the culture of safety within your organization.
When leaders are emotionally safe and self-aware, they set the tone for the entire team, creating an environment where others feel respected, heard, and valued, leading to increased trust, open communication, and a more positive work environment.
When a leader is emotionally safe and self-aware, they are better equipped to create a culture of emotional safety for others. This can lead to increased trust, open communication, and a more positive work environment.
So, how can we begin to embody the emotional safety that is needed to help create and emotional the emotional safety of a culture?
Here are three ways that leaders can begin to create emotional safety within themselves:
Practice self-awareness: Self-awareness is power. You can start by taking time to reflect on your own emotions and how you respond to different situations. This can help you become more aware of your own triggers and patterns of behavior, which can in turn help them respond more effectively to others.
Practice self-regulation: Self-regulation is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions. This takes time but each time you self-regulate, you take back your power.
Prioritize self-care: Leaders are often focused on the needs of others, but it's important for them to take time for themselves and take care of their own emotional and physical well-being. This can include things like taking breaks, exercising, and getting enough sleep. We all know this, but it needs to be said again, and again, and again.