Maria Gontea’s Post

In both our personal and professional lives, we often find ourselves grappling with challenges and uncertainties. As leaders, it’s crucial to recognize what we can control and what we can't. This powerful exercise of differentiation can profoundly impact our effectiveness and peace of mind. Why Is This Important? Understanding the boundary between what we can and cannot control helps us focus our energy on areas where we can make a difference. It frees us from the futile effort of trying to change things beyond our influence, reducing stress and increasing productivity. By accepting what we cannot control, we cultivate resilience and adaptability—key traits for any successful leader. What Can I Control? - My Actions: The way I respond to situations, my behavior, and my decisions. - My Attitude: The mindset I choose to adopt and the positivity I bring to my team. - My Effort: The dedication and hard work I put into my tasks and goals. - My Learning: The skills I acquire, the knowledge I seek, and the personal growth I pursue. What Can’t I Control? •  Others' Actions: The decisions and behaviors of other people. •  External Events: Market trends, economic shifts, and unforeseen global events. •  Past Events: What has already happened is beyond my reach to change. •  Outcomes: Despite our best efforts, the final results may still be out of our hands. How to Start Letting Go 1 Identify and List: Take time to list down what you can and cannot control. This clarity is the first step towards empowerment. 2 Shift Focus: Concentrate your efforts on what you can influence. Invest your energy where it counts. 3 Practice Acceptance: Acknowledge the elements outside your control. Practice mindfulness and acceptance to let go of unnecessary stress. 4 Cultivate Resilience: Embrace change and uncertainty as opportunities to grow. Develop a flexible mindset to navigate challenges effectively. 5 Lead by Example: Show your team the strength in recognizing limits and focusing on actionable steps. Encourage a culture of resilience and adaptive thinking. Remember, true leadership is not about controlling everything but about guiding your team through the uncontrollable with wisdom and grace. Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences on this topic. How do you manage the balance between control and acceptance in your life? Let's discuss in the comments below! #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #Resilience #Mindfulness  

As leaders, we all face moments of self-doubt and intrusive thoughts. Generally, there are two ways we can respond to these thoughts. And depends on how you CHOOSE to respond to them, the impact it will have on our leadership will be completely different. LEADER A 1️⃣ "What if I make the wrong decision?" 👉 Imagine this thought taking over your mind, making you second-guess every move. This will lead to hesitation and missed opportunities. 2️⃣ "I'm not good enough to lead this team. Someone else could do it better." 👉 Picture yourself feeling inadequate and overwhelmed. This will prevent you from taking bold actions and inspiring your team. 3️⃣ "If this project fails, it will be all my fault. What will everyone think of me?" 👉 Visualize anxiety spiraling out of control, affecting your decision-making. This will create a stressful work environment. LEADER B 1️⃣. "What if I make the wrong decision?" 👉 Recognizing the thought without letting it control you will help you stay grounded and focused. 2️⃣ "This thought does not define my ability to lead. I am more than my doubts." 👉 Reminding yourself of your strengths will build confidence and resilience. 3️⃣ "I acknowledge this thought, but I will not let it control my actions." 👉 Accepting the thought and letting it pass will enable you to lead with clarity and calmness. 🤔 So how does this extend to the workplace setting? In the fast-paced world of business, the way you handle intrusive thoughts will significantly impact your leadership. By learning to manage these thoughts mindfully, you will lead with confidence, inspire your team, and create a positive, productive work environment. At Moon Maiden Meditation, we help leaders like you develop the skills to manage intrusive thoughts and lead mindfully. 🫵 You DESERVE to lead with clarity and purpose. Ready to transform your leadership journey? Book a consultation with us today and discover the power of integrating mindfulness into your leadership. #ProfessionalLeadership #IndustryInsights #ChangeManagement #ProfessionalDevelopment #ThoughtProvoking #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerDevelopment #Meditation #Wellness #Consciousness #Spirituality #Mindfulness #MoonMaidenMeditation

As leaders, we all face moments of self-doubt and intrusive thoughts. Generally, there are two ways we can respond to these thoughts. And depends on how you CHOOSE to respond to them, the impact it will have on our leadership will be completely different. LEADER A 1️⃣ "What if I make the wrong decision?" 👉 Imagine this thought taking over your mind, making you second-guess every move. This will lead to hesitation and missed opportunities. 2️⃣ "I'm not good enough to lead this team. Someone else could do it better." 👉 Picture yourself feeling inadequate and overwhelmed. This will prevent you from taking bold actions and inspiring your team. 3️⃣ "If this project fails, it will be all my fault. What will everyone think of me?" 👉 Visualize anxiety spiraling out of control, affecting your decision-making. This will create a stressful work environment. LEADER B 1️⃣. "What if I make the wrong decision?" 👉 Recognizing the thought without letting it control you will help you stay grounded and focused. 2️⃣ "This thought does not define my ability to lead. I am more than my doubts." 👉 Reminding yourself of your strengths will build confidence and resilience. 3️⃣ "I acknowledge this thought, but I will not let it control my actions." 👉 Accepting the thought and letting it pass will enable you to lead with clarity and calmness. 🤔 So how does this extend to the workplace setting? In the fast-paced world of business, the way you handle intrusive thoughts will significantly impact your leadership. By learning to manage these thoughts mindfully, you will lead with confidence, inspire your team, and create a positive, productive work environment. At Moon Maiden Meditation, we help leaders like you develop the skills to manage intrusive thoughts and lead mindfully. 🫵 You DESERVE to lead with clarity and purpose. Ready to transform your leadership journey? Book a consultation with us today and discover the power of integrating mindfulness into your leadership. #ProfessionalLeadership #IndustryInsights #ChangeManagement #ProfessionalDevelopment #ThoughtProvoking #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerDevelopment #Meditation #Wellness #Consciousness #Spirituality #Mindfulness #MoonMaidenMeditation

I'm a BIG Sherlock Holmes enthusiast and THIS is my favorite of the words given to him by Sir Arthor Conan Doyle. If yours is, "Elementary, my dear Watson..." then you are dead to me because Holmes NEVER said this! The pipe quote resonates with me because it is a powerful reminder of the necessity of time for deep thinking—a quality that research shows is crucial for complex problem-solving and sound decision-making. Studies indicate that leaders who carve out time for reflection and strategic thinking make better, more sustainable decisions. Research by Kahneman (2011) on “thinking fast and slow” highlights the pitfalls of impulsive decision-making, showing that thoughtful deliberation leads to more nuanced and effective solutions. Additionally, a study by Cross, Rebele, and Grant (2016) emphasizes the value of “mindful space” as a buffer against burnout, allowing leaders to approach challenges with fresh perspective and insight. Do you confirm or deny, Chris Bittinger? Reflection time enables leaders to address issues with both breadth and depth—what Heifetz and Linsky (2002) refer to as “getting on the balcony” to see the bigger picture. In a world where decisions are expected instantly, this kind of strategic distancing is often overlooked, yet it’s essential to solve complex, problems. Whether it’s a ‘three-pipe’ problem or simply a challenge that requires more than a quick fix, let’s make space in our schedules—and in our teams’ schedules—for meaningful thought. Real leadership is as much about taking time to think as it is about taking action. That's it for now. Please excuse me for a minute (or 50) while I go light a pipe (or 3). References Cross, R., Rebele, R., & Grant, A. (2016). Collaborative overload. Harvard Business Review, 94(1), 74-79. Heifetz, R., & Linsky, M. (2002). Leadership on the line: Staying alive through the dangers of leading. Harvard Business School Press. Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. #Leadership #StrategicThinking #Reflect #ProblemSolving #Mindfulness #HolmesWisdom

Why is finding your purpose important? 🙌 Motivation: A clear sense of purpose fuels intrinsic motivation, driving you to excel and overcome challenges. 🧐 Focus: Your purpose acts as a compass, guiding your decisions and actions. 💪 Resilience: A strong sense of purpose helps you bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook. 💣 Impact: When you're aligned with your purpose, you can make a significant impact on others and the world. How does purpose relate to leadership? 1. Inspiration - Leaders with a clear purpose inspire others to follow their vision. 2. Authenticity - A genuine connection to your purpose fosters authenticity and trust. 3. Decision-making - Your purpose can guide difficult decisions, ensuring they align with your values. 4. Resilience - A strong sense of purpose helps leaders navigate crises and uncertainty. Tips to identify your purpose: Self-Reflection: **Journaling: Regularly write about your values, passions, and what truly matters to you. **Meditation: Quiet your mind and listen to your inner voice. **Mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment and your thoughts and feelings. Explore Your Passions: **Hobbies: What activities bring you joy and fulfillment? **Volunteer Work: Explore different causes and see where your skills and interests align. **Travel: Experience different cultures and perspectives to broaden your horizons. Seek Guidance: **Mentorship: Find a mentor who can offer advice and support. **Coaching: Work with a professional coach to gain clarity and direction. **Group Activities: Join a group or community where you can share ideas and learn from others. Take Action: **Set Goals: Break down your purpose into smaller, actionable goals. **Experiment: Try new things and don't be afraid to fail. **Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge your progress and reward your efforts. Remember, your purpose is a journey, not a destination. As you grow and evolve, so too will your understanding of your purpose. By staying true to yourself and embracing your passions, you can unlock your full potential as a leader. #leadership

⚡Self-Reflection for Leaders: A path to growth or a buzzword?⚡ For leaders it’s so easy to become absorbed in daily responsibilities, strategic decisions, and team dynamics - they have so much on their “plate”. Being “sunk in the routine” might blur clarity of the vision and become an obstacle to success. Here, self-reflection emerges as a saving tool for growth, not just for leaders but for their teams and organizations. 📌 SELF-REFLECTION involves looking inward to assess actions, beliefs, and impacts and helps to - enhance self-awareness on own values and motivations,  - improve decision-making, allowing to learn from past experience; - create stronger relationships, as recognising how personal behaviors affect others can drive to cultivating a more supportive work environment; - increase resilience, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth. Seems really helpful, doesn’t it?  To start practicing it, you may try: ☆ Journaling: regular journaling can provide clarity and help in processing thoughts and experiences. ☆ Seeking Feedback: encouraging open feedback from colleagues on your own leadership style and effectiveness, as a solid base for thought. ☆ Practicing mindfulness: it can foster present-moment awareness, allowing you to reflect on your actions without judgment. ☆ Establishing reflection goals: with personal reflection goals you can focus attention on specific growth areas. Where is our focus, there is our result. ☆ Partnering with a coach: coach, not a mentor. The coach will be your safe partner and a “mirror” for your thoughts, doubts, reflections, feelings. And you will convert all insights into further practical steps. This journey of self-discovery should be continuous. To relaunch it, one needs to detect the need and dedicate time to these practices. Self-reflection is not the only ingredient, which is sufficient for the leader’s personal and professional growth, but a very important one. Also, underestimated and underused, to my mind. ⁉️ And how much time do YOU invest in self-reflection?  ★ Want to discuss ➜ please comment and/or book an appointment. #Leadership #SelfReflection #GrowthMindset #Mindfulness #LeadershipDevelopment #Resilience #Authenticity #ExecutiveCoaching #coachShuryha

Don't Skip 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬! Great Leaders Start Within Leaders often jump straight to setting their goals 🎯 - but the most impactful ones start with self-awareness. Here's why, from a psychology perspective: 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞: Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Understanding your emotions and how they impact your decisions is crucial for effective leadership. Blind Spots: We all have them! Self-awareness helps identify unconscious biases and improve communication. Strengths & Weaknesses: Knowing your strengths allows you to delegate effectively and leverage your team's complementary skills. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Motivational Fit: Align team goals with individual strengths and passions to boost engagement. Empathy & Connection: Understand your team's needs and build stronger relationships. Constructive Feedback: Deliver feedback that's clear, specific, and growth-oriented. 🌟 You simply can't learn about yourself in a book but by making the time to regular practice 🌟 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: ✅ Mindfulness: It allows you to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, fostering greater self-understanding. ✅ Journaling: Regularly writing about your experiences, thoughts, and feelings can reveal patterns and areas for growth. ✅ Gratitude Exercises: Reflecting on what you're grateful for can shift your focus to positive aspects of yourself and your life. #leadershipdevelopment #psychology #emotionalintelligence

𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 🎲 Is keeping up with the rapid changes in your organization making you feel like you're constantly running uphill? It's a steep climb that many leaders face, and it can sometimes feel like you're navigating through a fog of stress and overwhelm. Don't let the fast pace leave you in the dust. Falling behind isn't just about missing updates; it's about losing your edge in the competitive race. Here are some ways to stay ahead: ◾ Daily Meditation Routine: Find your calm in the chaos. A few minutes of meditation can sharpen your focus and melt away stress. ◾ Leadership Journal: Chart your journey. Writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions and clarify your next steps. ◾ Continuous Learning: Equip yourself with the latest tools and trends. Knowledge is power, and staying updated keeps you agile. ◾ Resilience Training: Embrace techniques like the Quick Coherence Technique® to stay resilient in high-pressure situations. Adopting these practices can elevate your leadership style, enhance workplace dynamics, and deepen your understanding of your own leadership approach. Navigated through such stormy changes? Share your insights and strategies below. Let’s learn from each other’s experiences and keep sailing forward! ⛵ ➖➖➖ Over the past two decades, I have dedicated myself to leadership and employee development, guiding individuals and teams for multiple Fortune 200 companies in multiple industries, as well as government and non-profits, on a transformative journey toward enhancing their leadership skills and realizing their fullest potential. Using my proprietary "L.O.V.E. system", we take a journey together to understand your unique strengths that we can capitalize on, and see if there are any behaviors that may have once served you well, but no longer do. We then define a plan to improve your strengths and mitigate those behaviors that may be inhibiting your growth and effectiveness. When leaders are highly effective, employees thrive and want to stay with the company, and also recruit others to join the company! ***** 👉 Type "LOVE" in the COMMENTS below to receive the FREE PDF and start your journey towards raising your consciousness. #leadership #personaldevelopment #management #strategy #bestadvice #innovation

Ready to enhance your emotional intelligence and become a more effective leader? Here's a curated toolkit to guide your journey: 1️⃣ Self-Reflection: Take moments to ponder your interactions with leaders, peers, and team members. What emotions surfaced? How did you respond? Reflective insights pave the way for personal growth. 2️⃣ Cultivate Empathy: Walk in others' shoes to understand their perspectives and emotions. Empathy strengthens connections and fuels collaboration. 3️⃣ Active Listening: Listen intently, without judgment or interruption. Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues to grasp emotions and needs deeply. 4️⃣ Stress Management: Equip yourself with healthy coping mechanisms to navigate stress. Techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness ensure emotional balance, even in tough situations. 5️⃣ Seek Feedback: Welcome constructive feedback from colleagues and team members. Embrace it as a learning opportunity to refine your strengths and address areas for improvement. 6️⃣ Empathetic Communication: Communicate with sincerity and empathy, recognizing others' emotions and validating their experiences. Clear, empathetic communication builds trust and strengthens relationships. 7️⃣ Lead by Example: Model emotional intelligence in your actions and interactions. Demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, and resilience to inspire your team members. Embrace this journey of continuous self-discovery and growth. By integrating these tools into your daily practice, you'll cultivate profound emotional intelligence, propelling you towards impactful leadership. ➡️ Follow us, and stay tuned for more Emotional Intelligence skill insights throughout April. 🔗 Learn more about Emotional Intelligence in Leadership, and read this month's white paper here: https://lnkd.in/ezmt4-zv The Hive. Transforming working cultures to deliver results that matter. This is our purpose. What is yours? #ConsultTheHive #CollectiveIntelligence #ChangeMakers #LeadershipDevelopment #LearningAndDevelopment #CultureChange #ChangeLeadership #EmpatheticLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #DiversityEquityAndInclusion #DEI #Vulnerability #PurposeDrivenLeadership #PurposeDrivenChange #TeamingBetter #CommunicationSkills #LeadershipCommunications #InclusiveLeadership #EffectiveCommunication #EmotionalIntelligence

🌟 Creating a Positive Culture in Your Small Business: Cultivating Empathy and Staying out of Judgement 🌟 👋 Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Join me on a transformative journey as we delve into the power of empathy and the art of staying out of judgment. 🌱 In this exciting mindfulness workshop, we'll explore how cultivating empathy can shape your business into a nurturing and harmonious environment. Together, we'll unlock the secrets to becoming a better leader and fostering a positive culture within your team. 🌈 🌱 Empathy is the Key 🌱 Empathy is the magical ingredient that connects hearts and minds, bridging the gap between leadership and team members. By developing a deep understanding of your employees' perspectives, feelings, and challenges, you'll create a space where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported. 🤝 🌟 Break Free from Judgment 🌟 Let's face it, judgment can be a sneaky little critter that creeps into our thoughts and interactions without us even realizing it. But fear not! In this workshop, we'll learn how to free ourselves from the chains of judgment, allowing compassion and acceptance to take its place. 🙌 🌈 Unleash Your Inner Leader 🌈 As a small business owner, your role as a leader is pivotal in shaping the company culture. By embracing empathy and leaving judgment behind, you'll inspire your team to do the same. Together, we'll explore practical strategies to enhance your leadership skills, fostering an environment where creativity, collaboration, and growth thrive. 🌱 🌟 Join Us on this Mindfulness Journey 🌟 Stay tuned for more updates on this mindfulness workshop, as we'll be sharing insightful tips, inspiring stories, and practical exercises to ignite your inner leader and create a culture that radiates positivity and empathy. 🌟 See you soon on the path to positive change! 🌈✨ #SmallBusinessLeadership #CultivatingEmpathy #StayOutOfJudgment #PositiveCulture #MindfulnessWorkshop #BeTheChange