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Cherie King's avatar

This is an exceptional read! So many aspects resonated. Being able to regulate and co regulate in stressful or challenging situations is a key skill in leadership.

Ash Wright's avatar

That's kind of you Cherie, thank you for taking the time to read and comment. You are entirely correct, any leader can succeed in fair weather, but only a true.leader can remain composed and lead through a storm.

Rebecca Johnson's avatar

“Normalize the strategic pause.” Yes. 💯

Ash Wright's avatar

It's one of the most simple yet powerful tools in our leadership tool-belt, thanks for taking the time to read

Melissa Parente's avatar

I really value your perspective on this one, Ash! I think what people are truly searching for is psychological safety within the predictable reactions of a leader - particularly under stress. Calm leadership is not passivity; it is the ability to emotionally regulate yourself enough that others don’t have to regulate around you (or manage you, as you've mentioned).

Ash Wright's avatar

So true Mel and thanks for your insight. Emotional control or regulation is a key leadership skill in successful leaders. It took me many years to see this, but now I do - it is a progress over perfection matte though and I'm on the journey

Jacqui Turner's avatar

A fantastic article Ash and couldn't agree more. I've been lucky enough to work with some inspiring leaders who absolutely had emotional control and sadly some that most definitely didn't

Ash Wright's avatar

It is core for strong leadership, but you are right in that many lack it. Thanks for taking the time to read and reflect Jacqui.

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May 7
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Ash Wright's avatar

Wow, what an amazing experience Lisa. You may find value in a book called Leadership Moments (Michael Useem) which is a collection of true stories where everyday people are thrust into leadership crisis of life and death stakes through real life events. It was published before the Miracle on Hudson occurred but is an incredible read. Thanks for reading and commenting, I really blue your support of my writing.