Welcome to the third instalment of the Moments of Mindfulness series. This month we're reflecting on intuitive leadership following the resignation of Jacinda Ardern.
"I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong."
Jacinda has been an extraordinary leader and her decision to step down as Prime Minister of New Zealand feels like a particularly significant moment for how we view success. It's a testament to her ability to intuitively make difficult decisions, one of the many things that we can learn from Jacinda's leadership as founders.
We've seen how to take bold, decision action particularly in the face of crisis. To show empathy and compassion by understanding and supporting those close to you. To stay true to your values and defend them.
Jacinda's resignation hasn't been immune to criticism, but in a world where vulnerability is seen as a weakness there is a lesson in recognising our abilities and priorities as they change and making difficult decisions based on the best outcome for the organisation. There is great emotional intelligence required to understand your limits as well as your abilities. It's sparked us to think about how we measure success as founders. Jacinda encouraged the world to consider a metric for success that makes room for compassion and care alongside ambition and drive.
"I'm leaving, because with such a privileged role comes responsibility - the responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not."
- Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's Prime Minister
We'd like to think of this as a reminder to build a good support network around you. It is not an easy feat to build a successful business by yourself. By developing a strong team and board of advisors that are aligned with your purpose, you build your own resilience as a leader. With a supportive network around you you can have the foresight to make decisions based on the best interests of the business. Why don't you take a moment to reflect on what success means to you?
Reflections
We believe in the importance of minding your mind and want to help you explore practical ways of de-stressing that you can implement into your everyday. If you do nothing else today, take just a ten minute break - the world won't
burn down! - and enjoy a cup of tea, glass of water or some fresh air outside.
If this moment of mindfulness has resonated with you and you feel it would benefit others, please share with them and invite them to join the movement.
Take care,
Your friends at Raise
Check out previous editions of the Moments of Mindfulness series below.
Raise
Raise
Member discussion