A shift in light
Here is one quote, one question and one idea to contemplate.
“You must look within for value, but must look beyond for perspective.” - Denis Waitley
Where might your perspective need a little more light?
In a recent coaching session, a leader shared that they were struggling with confidence. It wasn’t because of a mistake or a performance issue—it was something more subtle. A series of decisions had been made by their own leader that left them feeling unseen and uncertain about their place on the team. They began to question themselves, their value, and whether their leadership mattered.
As we explored their experience, we took a closer look—not just at what was happening, but how they were interpreting it. What were they telling themselves about these decisions? Why did it feel so personal? What else might be going on?
Bit by bit, they began to see how their current perspective, while completely valid, was just one view. And when we allowed some light to shine on other possibilities—external dynamics, unseen pressures, unspoken context—their perspective widened. They found themselves back in touch with what they knew to be true: their strengths, their values, and their unwavering commitment to leading well.
In Understood: The Greatest Human Need and the Key to Engagement, I write:
“Our perspectives are like prisms; therefore, perspective-getting must be multifaceted. The approach requires a genuine effort to shine a light on different facets of ourselves and our teams to create an environment where team members feel understood.”
That’s exactly what this leader did. And in doing so, they reclaimed their sense of agency and began forging a meaningful path forward—one rooted in clarity, not assumption
Leadership is full of moments that ask us to pause and look deeper. If you're ready to explore what understanding—of yourself and others—can open up, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.
Until next time,
Maria
P.S. If this has been helpful, then feel free to pass it along to someone else who might enjoy it too.
‘UNDERSTOOD: The Greatest Human Need and the Key to Engagement’
AVAILABLE NOW!
MARIA’S 2025 WORKSHOPS
Foster greater understanding and workplace engagement through this series of new workshops. Learn more about them by clicking on the titles below:
If you’d like to get one or more of these in your team or Board’s calendar, let’s connect.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXPLORE…
why we struggle to understand others
the roots and impacts of misunderstanding
the art of understanding others
strategies to foster understanding and advance engagement
Sign up below to have the UNDERSTOOD video mini-series sent directly to your inbox.
READY TO ELEVATE YOUR WORKPLACE ENGAGEMENT?
Let’s talk about how I can help you elevate engagement and drive organizational performance, so that you can move beyond chasing engagement metrics and start leading them!
Let’s Make Space for What’s Possible
Feeling a little stuck? Second-guessing your next move? Wondering if there’s more to this whole leadership thing than meetings and mental gymnastics? (Spoiler: there is.)
Whether you’re leading a team or leading yourself through change, coaching can help you untangle the noise and reconnect with what really matters.
I offer individual and group coaching for leaders who want to grow with more clarity, confidence, and a whole lot more understanding.
Curious? Let’s talk—I’d love to walk alongside you.