This is the #1 leadership skill you should be modeling in times like this.

Want to show the people around you that change is possible? That when people learn better, they do better? That in order to lead, they must learn to follow?

Model it.

And I don’t just mean the deep, intricate inner-workings of applying your learnings, growing in allyship and writing dissertations on social media.

I mean modeling adaptability and self-care on an individual level.

I mean taking long breaks from consuming danger and doom on the news.

I mean hitting the RESET button (like we’re doing right now in The Identity & Belonging Lab between webinar specials) and taking a moment to remind yourself why you care about the issues you care about at all.

I mean taking your mental health seriously, because you can’t pour from an empty cup or hold space that you yourself don’t have access to.

Embody teachable behaviors that keep you learning and adjusting when new information is presented to you. Embody reachable behaviors by listening to your body (and the people around you) when you are being called in or called up to pivot or adjust.

Want to see the people around you change? You go first.

And if they don't, well… They aren’t your people.

Period.

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