Grace Over Grind
Grace Over Grind
It's no secret that I am a huge fan of the Ballet. My daughter Alexandra is an exceptional ballerina and this was a huge focus for her from age three and a half until attending full-time ballet school in Alberta, Canada when she was 17. Now she teaches part-time at the ballet school she attended here in Auckland.
Alex participated in a number of ballet competitions and performances on stage and watching her was always a magical moment. I often reflect on the amount of practice that Alex put into following her dream. It wasn't just the weekly ballet classes with her principal teachers, there were strength and conditioning sessions, she worked with a mindset coach prior to heading off to Canada, an additional teacher, who had been a Principal dancer in the Royal New Zealand Ballet, coached Alex on Variations (solo dances in well-known ballets) she would perform at various competitions.
Alex was (and still is) very committed to her craft and it was the consistency in approach and training that enabled her to have the success of being invited to attend a professional ballet school - you don't just get to rock up to these places, you have to earn the right to be selected.
Alex now shares all of the knowledge she gained as a committed dancer with her young students who are exploring if ballet will be their chosen path, either as a performer or a teacher.
Alex is leading with grace in this space, which means she is empowering others to be their best selves and creating an environment where they can flourish. Many Mums have let Alex know that coming to her classes is the highlight of their child's week - they want to keep coming back and they work hard.
So how can we do this as leaders in our current work environments? What does it take to lead with grace? What does it take to create the conditions that enable our team members to be at their best and look forward to turning up every day?
What is Leading with Grace
Leading with Grace is coming from a place of deep knowing. Knowing who we are, knowing the people we want to have an impact with, and knowing the possibilities that lie ahead where everyone will benefit and thrive.
Leading with grace is the practice of demonstrating exceptional poise, compassion, and integrity while guiding and influencing others. It involves embodying humility, empathy, and understanding in leadership roles, treating individuals with kindness and respect, and handling difficult situations with composure and tact.
Leading with grace goes beyond merely achieving goals or exercising authority; it focuses on nurturing meaningful relationships, fostering a positive work environment, and inspiring others through genuine care and consideration. It requires an ability to navigate challenges and conflicts gracefully, promoting collaboration and inclusivity, and uplifting those around you through your words, actions, and demeanor.
Ultimately, leading with grace involves embodying the best qualities of leadership while bringing out the best in others. And, we lead with grace by understanding how we are playing our inner game of leadership.
Why is Leading with Grace Important
If you are not sure how leading with grace could directly impact your organisations bottom line, take a look at this list of why leading with grace is important.
Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: Studies consistently show that leaders who demonstrate empathy, respect, and genuine care for their employees tend to foster higher levels of employee engagement and job satisfaction. Research by Gallup has found that employees who feel supported and valued by their leaders are more likely to be engaged and productive.
Organisational Trust and Loyalty: Trust is a crucial factor in effective leadership. Leaders who lead with grace by being transparent, honest, and consistent in their actions contribute to higher levels of trust within the organization. Research conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute has consistently shown that trust in leadership is strongly linked to employee loyalty, commitment, and overall organisational performance.
Team Collaboration and Innovation: Graceful leaders who encourage collaboration, value diverse perspectives, and create a psychologically safe environment tend to foster higher levels of teamwork and innovation. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that inclusive leadership behaviors, which are closely aligned with leading with grace, were positively associated with team collaboration and innovation.
Reduced Turnover and Improved Retention: Leadership practices that prioritize employee well-being, growth, and support tend to contribute to lower turnover rates and improved retention. According to research by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), employees are more likely to stay with an organisation when they have positive relationships with their immediate leader and feel supported in their professional development.
Enhanced Employee Well-being and Work-Life Balance: Leaders who lead with grace understand the importance of work-life balance and employee well-being. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that leaders who promote work-life balance and prioritise employee well-being contribute to lower levels of burnout and improved overall employee health and satisfaction.
Leading with Grace Traits
So what is involved in Leading with Grace you may ask? Here are some characteristics commonly associated with leading with grace:
Humility: Graceful leaders exhibit humility by recognizing their own limitations, acknowledging the contributions of others, and valuing diverse perspectives. They do not let their position or achievements inflate their ego but instead, remain grounded and open to learning from others.
Empathy: Graceful leaders demonstrate deep empathy by genuinely understanding and considering the emotions, experiences, and needs of those they lead. They strive to connect on an emotional level, listen attentively, and respond with compassion, making others feel seen, heard, and supported.
Integrity: Leading with grace requires unwavering integrity. Graceful leaders consistently act in alignment with their values, principles, and ethical standards. They inspire trust and respect through their honesty, transparency, and consistency in both their words and actions.
Resilience: Graceful leaders display resilience by maintaining composure and adaptability in the face of challenges and setbacks. They stay focused, optimistic, and solution-oriented, effectively navigating obstacles and inspiring others to persevere.
Emotional Intelligence: Leading with grace involves a high degree of emotional intelligence. Graceful leaders are attuned to their own emotions as well as the emotions of those around them. They regulate their own emotions, manage conflicts constructively, and respond appropriately to the feelings and needs of others.
Empowering Communication: Graceful leaders communicate with clarity, authenticity, and kindness. They choose their words thoughtfully, deliver feedback constructively, and actively listen to foster meaningful connections. They encourage dialogue, invite diverse perspectives, and create a safe space for open and honest communication.
Servant Leadership: Leading with grace often incorporates the principles of servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the needs of their team members and work to support their growth and well-being. They lead by example, serve as mentors, and empower others to achieve their full potential.
Gratitude and Appreciation: Graceful leaders cultivate a culture of gratitude and appreciation. They acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and achievements of their team members, expressing genuine gratitude for their efforts. By doing so, they foster a positive and motivated work environment.
These traits collectively contribute to a leadership style that uplifts, inspires, and motivates others while promoting collaboration, growth, and well-being within the team or organisation.
Need Some Help
If you would like some help identifying how your leaders can Lead with Grace, let's chat and explore the best solution for your leaders and your organisation.