Connected Teamwork Practices: Self-Care: The Starting Point for Leadership

Self-Care: The Starting Point for Leadership

Unlocking the Power of Connected Teams: Insights from Episode 62 of the Connected Teamwork Podcast

How do we stay connected to our authentic selves, each other, and our purpose as a team? The Connected Teamwork Podcast by Growth Leaders Network explores practical tools to foster connectedness and thrive together.

Episode 62, hosted by Hylke Faber and Carson V. Heady, dives deep into the foundational practices for team connectedness—starting with self-care and balance.

The Foundation of Connected Teams

Carson and Hylke begin this episode by introducing the concept of the 12 Team Connectedness Practices. These practices, rooted in Hylke’s book Taming Your Crocodiles and its sequel “The Connectedness Quotient,” offer a structured way to nurture individual and team connectedness. The practices are divided into three categories:

Connecting to OurselvesConnecting to OthersConnecting to Purpose

The first practice, “Take Good Care of Yourself,” forms the bedrock of all connectedness. According to Hylke, this starts with self-acceptance and cultivating balance in life.

Self-Care: The Starting Point for Leadership

Hylke describes self-care as essential to being present and effective. He introduces the “Connectedness Quotient (CQ),” which measures how deeply we are connected to our values, emotions, and higher intelligence. Self-care involves:

Acceptance: Embracing all aspects of ourselves, including challenging emotions.Balance: Prioritizing rest, nutrition, and mindfulness to maintain energy and clarity.Reflection: Taking moments to pause, reflect, and recalibrate.

Carson emphasizes that leaders often struggle with prioritizing themselves amidst the demands of metrics, deadlines, and expectations. He shares the “balcony view” approach—stepping back to assess priorities and delegate tasks—as a way to regain clarity and focus.

Practical Tips for Self-Care and Balance

Both hosts provide actionable strategies for integrating self-care into daily life:

Interrupt Momentum: Pause and breathe when overwhelmed. Take a short walk, listen to music, or meditate.Schedule Breaks: Block time for focused work, reflection, and personal care.Find Joy in the Process: Approach tasks with curiosity and creativity rather than rushing to completion.Customize Self-Care: Identify activities that bring joy and meaning—whether it’s exercising, spending time with family, or pursuing hobbies.Infusing Joy into Work and Life

Joy, as Carson highlights, is a powerful motivator. He encourages leaders to:

Discover Their “Why”: Understand personal and team motivations.Create Micro Wins: Set daily non-negotiables to achieve meaningful progress.Incorporate Passions: Blend personal interests into work routines for balance and fulfillment.

Hylke adds that joy stems from knowing one’s strengths and using them purposefully. He compares this to cooking a Thanksgiving meal—the process can be as fulfilling as the outcome when approached with care and creativity.

Practical Advice for Leaders

For those struggling with self-appreciation, Hylke and Carson recommend:

Start with Gratitude: Appreciate the present moment and your strengths.Prioritize Deliberately: Focus on tasks that align with your values and goals.Be Kind to Yourself: Avoid judgment and give yourself permission to rest.Instill Discipline: Use tools like daily planning and intentional scheduling to maintain focus.The Importance of Connectedness

The episode closes with a call to action: Reflect on what you learned and identify one team member to appreciate. Simple acts of recognition and gratitude can deepen connections and elevate team dynamics.

By starting with self-care and balance, leaders can unlock their potential and create a culture of connectedness within their teams.

#Teamwork #Leadership #SelfCare #Connectedness #TeamBuilding #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipDevelopment #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth