In a blink of an eye, it’s July..

I always think of July as being a ‘book-end month’, odd I know, but I think it is due to all those academic milestones, the end of year exams, the awards assemblies, sports day and carousal of events, that has to be factored into an already busy diary. The state of the school uniform reflects how my brain feels, having successfully supported two children through another year, it is a little worn in places. In the P&M house, we are all looking forward to a pause, to rest and recharge over the summer months.

At the start of the year I revisited how I would like P&M to flow, and I identified that I need 2 purposeful points of rest and so have built this into how I would like to work. I know that if I power through, I will feel the strain of stress later in the year, so, like a sunflower seeking the sun I plan to take a few weeks off and move from doing into being mode.

I do get this is easier said then done at times, pausing is harder than it looks. So this month, I wanted to share thoughts on why this matters, not just to you but for those around you too.

Compassionate leadership 

If you have been connected with us for a while, you will know that I repeatedly speak about why compassionate leadership matters.

We wrote and spoke about it in relation to role modelling, when supporting people within the workplace through life events. We raise the conversation when advocating for more discussions around domestic abuse and the impact it has, why workplaces can support and how. We challenge leaders to view inclusivity through a lens filled with compassion, not bias. In fact most issues of Espresso weaved in these thoughts and beliefs.

We also understand that being seen as a compassionate leader can be viewed as being ‘weak/soft/too feminine’ which is why perhaps it takes a while for leaders to step into this phase.

We prefer to associate compassionate leadership with words such as ‘competent, trustworthy, supportive and bold’ we know these are qualities that build loyalty, engagement and happier workplaces.

When you begin to lead with your own style, it’s powerful. I genuinely believe people want to see the strength that drives leaders to evolve, every time someone steps up it is smart, sustainable, and deeply human because true leadership doesn’t come in the form of a perfect strategy, it comes from a place that is genuine, adaptable and authentic.

We are not alone in talking about this, in fact in a recent Forbes article one of the headliners reminded us about the impact of leadership, and why we need to perhaps consider how we are received by others.

70% of a team’s experience is shaped by its leader. 

Which is why taking regular breaks, even 5 mins outside in that sun, can reset and reduce stress, these micro- pauses act as a buffer between decisions and tasks. We know rest builds resilience, and if you are seen as a leader, building rest into the culture, then resetting, recharging and realigning creates huge ripple effects. 

‘Cause I gotta’ have faith 

Growth takes root when we step beyond the loop. When hope matures into faith, the fog lifts and vision becomes purpose.

Hope is often the spark, an expectation or desire for something good. It’s applying for a job, it’s considering learning a new skill, it’s forward-looking, sometimes fragile and a bit uncertain, but rooted in possibility.

Faith, on the other hand, is a deeper conviction. It’s the moment when that hope becomes anchored in trust, when you no longer just wish for something, but believe in it with certainty, even without evidence.

Stepping out of that loop of comfort we know is vulnerable and uncomfortable, but it’s also where the clarity lives, and here’s the thing, clarity doesn’t come all at once or even show up when you feel you need it to. You need to work on finding it.

We can all do this by consistently noticing when you move hope to trust, consciously moving away from the Pinterest wish list and taking one powerful action forward. Ask yourself this:

What one conscious action can I do today, that supports me move towards the future version of myself?

If you wish to get curious and start going beyond the surface and stop the looping in life, we have just a handful of coaching places open in September, perhaps now is the time to consciously move in a different way. Drop me an email and we can begin the conversation.

and I’m sorry if all you can hear for the rest of the day is George Michael’s voice*

And finally….

This month I will be at The Happy Place Festival where in years past I have bumped into fellow IPA cohort members, shared time with friends and enjoyed being present for a day.

I have made an effort this year to plan ahead so alongside the CIPD Hertfordshire events, I will also be at the following events, just in case you fancy a coffee and chat.

Ideas Fest – September

HRi HR Indies Annual Conference – October

Next month I will share a list of holiday reads as we all prepare to wind down in August.

Alice

Peony & Magnolia
Our Business is Your People