Care management


The fact was this did not come due to changes beyond people’s control and lack of understanding when corporate knowledge is lost.15


Ironically, this too


is a long-term systemic issue when the citation supports the same challenges we face today. I was lucky. I was provided a second


chance and now the most horrific work experience in my professional career is the one that has made me the most aware that leadership, just like person- centredness, is not something we can simply do. It is in us, it is our personhood, it is our core spirit. Some years later, I realised despite


person-centredness being centric to what we did, it was not who we were. It was toxic, and I became too burnt out and was too ill-prepared as a leader to know what to do. So, I did nothing, and no-one stopped me, but no-one knew because my mask was strong, and I was someone who was not me. The key to true authentic leadership


is the same for person-centredness, be real.16


We implore our teams to bring


their real selves to work, so why do we as leaders feel that we need to moderate our emotions? There is a difference between a difficult decision and being real with the feeling and emotions that it may cause. True and authentic leadership will not be achieved if we are not able to be our true selves.17


No (wo)man is an island To find your way back from the brink, you must surround yourself with people who will support you to be the leader you do not yet see yourself to be. These people


In whatever way it is the most relevant to you, take time out to recharge your batteries. This is not a luxury, this is not something which needs to resemble the ‘status’ thought to be associated with what, where and how a good leader is supposed to be


are not necessarily the people you would ordinarily choose as a friend. They are people who will challenge, but challenge with respect; will correct, but correct in love; will push you beyond what your capabilities are, in a way where there is a safety net; and always want to see you become a better you.18 A key to true person-centred leadership is having a trusted mentor whose leadership capacity and development is greater than yours, so you can seek advice and collaboratively run through what may be the unknown to you, but are well-trodden paths to your mentor. They will guide you to be true to who you are throughout.19 No-one is ever perfect; we all make


mistakes. Some of them are bigger than others. By owning these in leadership and acknowledging the learning, we can grow in authenticity, integrity and respect for ourselves and others. All these things are essential in achieving leadership being at the heart of personhood.20 Do not be afraid to reach out and admit you are struggling. As the writer Charlie


Mackesy shared in his story, “What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy. “Help”, said the horse…“Asking for help isn’t giving up”, said the horse. “It’s refusing to give up.”21


Relax - just do it In whatever way it is the most relevant to you, take time out to recharge your batteries. This is not a luxury, this is not something which needs to resemble the ‘status’ thought to be associated with what, where and how a good leader is supposed to be. Being able to relax has become


particularly hard when our phones and electronic devices are never far from our sides and always ‘on’. As partners and parents, we can find ourselves constantly distracted, because our mind is always elsewhere. This is not only bad for us, but also


does not help our relationships thrive. How often do we see people out with their young children with their heads down looking at their mobile phone, rather than relishing the joy of the moment? Many of us will need help with finding


our way back to being more ‘present’ in our daily lives, whether it is using mindfulness techniques, meditation, going for walks in nature, listening to music, or whatever works best for you. However we do this, we need to give ourselves permission to press the ‘off’ switch more.


Conclusion Leadership is not a road which is easy to travel at times. It means communicating and empathising, directing and modelling, teaching and mentoring – and, above all, trusting and serving. Be real, surround yourself with people who truly have your best intentions at heart, and know mistakes are normal.


November 2021 • www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 41


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