Over a decade ago, I was invited to lead a deep transformational process in one of the country’s largest companies.

The goal: help them become a truly connected team — one that can listen, collaborate, and stay present even in tough moments.

Before we started, I was warned:
“There’s one manager who’s bitter and disruptive. If needed, feel free to remove him.”

And indeed — he came in closed off, arms crossed, throwing cynical remarks and creating resistance from the first moment.

By the end of the day, I was exhausted.
Part of me wanted to give up.

But deep inside, I felt: this is the moment where my leadership is being tested.

So the next morning, I paused the session.

I didn’t blame.

I just shared how I felt — the pain, the discomfort, the vulnerability.

And then I added:
“I hope you don’t allow anyone to speak to you the way I was spoken to yesterday.”

And in that moment — something shifted.
The room softened. The silence became listening.

And that same manager? Became present, caring, engaged.

One of the managers asked me later:
“What did you do to him?”

I answered:
“I just truly saw him.”

Leadership isn’t about control. It’s about presence.
Setting boundaries — with compassion 🤍
Facing conflict — without disconnecting 🤍

When was the last time you chose to show up — especially when it was hardest?