Let’s talk about uncertainty and Change
Change is a constant in life, but sometimes it feels like we’re drowning in uncertainty. From one day to the next, things can shift dramatically, leaving us stressed and overwhelmed. While we can’t control what happens, we can control how we respond. Here are common ways people handle stress—and how you can learn from them:
- Victim response: You are letting life happen to you without taking action. Complaining or feeling stuck often leads to long-term emotional and physical strain. Focus on what you can control and aim for proactive approaches.
- Acceptance: Some people choose to accept the situation as it is and say, “It is what it is.” This approach helps reduce the emotional weight of stress and allows you to focus on your goals. Ask yourself: “Will it matter in a week/month/year?”
- Perspective shift: The most transformative response is changing how you view a situation or person. Shifting your mindset can turn challenges into opportunities, though it requires effort to break free from ingrained assumptions and reactions.
Stress Awareness Month is the perfect time to pause, take a deep breath, and check in with yourself. Stress is something we all deal with, but how often do we talk about it? This month is all about sharing tips and finding ways to live a happier life.
Here are simple tips to help you manage stress and feel more in control:
- Start with self-care. It doesn’t have to be spa days or hours of meditation (though those are great too!). It can be as simple as taking a 10-minute walk, drinking water before your coffee, or turning off your phone an hour before going to bed. Small changes add up!
- Build resilience: Create habits that build resilience: get at least 7 hours of sleep, exercise regularly, eat healthy food, etc.
- Be kind: This year’s theme is #LeadWithLove, and it’s all about kindness. Give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned and offer the same compassion to others. A little empathy and love go a long way in reducing stress for everyone!
- Stop reacting and start responding with this framework:
- Pause when you notice that you are reacting to stressors.
- Breathe deeply to calm your mind and emotions. Try this: inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for six. Repeat a few times. Deep breathing calms your nervous system and helps you reset when life feels chaotic.
- Analyze your thoughts and feelings. Talk it out – stress loves to stay bottled up, so let it out! Call a friend, write in a journal, or partner with a coach. Sharing what’s on your mind can lighten the load and give you a fresh perspective.
- Respond with the energy and mindset that will help you achieve the desired outcome. Challenge yourself to stop reacting and say “no” to something that drains your energy.
Take care of your body, mind, heart and soul. And share these tips with someone who might benefit from them. Let’s make April a little brighter – one deep breath at a time!
Resources for you:
👉Check out the ‘How Stressed Am I’ quiz
📞 Schedule a Discovery Call HERE if you are interested in learning more about energy leadership and how I can help you shift your mindset and improve your satisfaction and success in life.
🗓️If you live in Chicagoland, attend the in-person ‘Stress Less and Achieve More with Energy Leadership’ workshop. Register HERE.
2025 Human Capital Trends
Control or empowerment? Stability or agility? Automation or augmentation? Today’s leaders are facing complex choices across work, workforce, and organizational culture. But they don’t have to be either/or choices. This year’s report aims to help leaders find traction in the tensions and the right balance to support both business and human outcomes.
- How can leaders navigate work-related tensions to help ensure the rightwork is being done, and in an optimal way?
- How can leaders navigate workforce tensions to better access, develop, and motivate their people?
- How can leaders ensure they have the right structure and practices in place to enable people to perform their best?
📖 Read more about it in the 2025 Global Human Capital Trends Report by Deloitte report.
Providing Feedback and Coaching
“Coaching and counseling are the most uncomfortable, avoided, and mishandled of all leadership responsibilities.” Harry Levinson
Last month we discussed the importance of recognition in the workplace and how each of us can contribute to fostering a culture of engagement and trust. This month, I’m shifting the focus on providing constructive feedback, having meaningful performance conversations, and coaching.
Constructive feedback is specific, task-oriented, and aimed at improving performance in a specific situation or area.
Coaching is about personal or professional development and growth. It’s a long-term relationship that supports individuals to grow, overcome limiting beliefs, navigate challenges, and work toward their goals. Coaching is a collaborative, two-way communication between partners — whether that’s a coach and a client, a leader and a team member, or peers — designed to enhance skills, knowledge, attitudes, and performance. Through coaching, individuals can shift their perspectives and unlock their full potential to achieve their goals.
A coach is curious, non-judgmental asks thought-provoking questions and inspires others to make necessary adjustments. The emphasis is on growth, improving relationships and outcomes, creative problem-solving, holistic decision-making and accountability.
Leaders can use the GROW model when providing constructive feedback and coaching:
🚀Goal: Convey the context and goal of the conversation with positive intent.
🔍Reality: Share your observations and impact. Be curious and ask clarifying questions.
🤔Options: Focus on opportunities and solutions. Then agree on the best option.
👉Will: Agree on the next steps and follow-up while offering support.
Add your tips and best practices in the comment box below.