Wisdom Wednesdays: Evolving Leadership through Wellbeing and Spirituality: Insights from Renee Moorefield

Leadership Development and Workplace Well-Being Focus Renee discussed her company's focus on supporting leaders and creating workplaces that foster growth and well-being, mentioning that they have trained around 250 guides worldwide. Michael commended Renee and her team for their 25-year milestone and highlighted the significant changes in work practices over the past quarter-century. In response to Michael's query on what differentiates successful leaders, Renee shared that resilient leaders possess an inner knowing of their values, sense of purpose, and deep care for people. They create supportive environments for others to navigate challenging experiences. Leadership Boundaries and Self-Care Importance Renee and Michael discussed the importance of setting boundaries in leadership roles. Renee highlighted that people who connect others effectively also prioritize their own well-being. Michael shared his personal experience with burnout and emphasized the necessity of self-care for effective leadership. He also reflected on how many leaders neglect this aspect and shared his post-burnout decision to prioritize his self-care for better leadership. Prioritizing Wellbeing for Effective Leadership Renee and Michael discussed the importance of prioritizing wellbeing for effective leadership. Renee highlighted the need to see health and wellbeing as an asset rather than a future consideration, a concept they noted was gaining recognition. Michael agreed, sharing his recent experience with nature, which left him feeling awestruck and inspired. Both underscored the idea that by creating environments that foster wellbeing, such as facilitating open discussions and encouraging presence in the moment, businesses could better engage their employees and potentially gain a competitive edge. Exploring Spiritual Moments in Nature Michael discussed his personal experience with finding spiritual moments in nature walks, which in turn helps him calm down and gain clarity. Renee, in response, emphasized the importance of considering the spiritual dimension in human thriving, mentioning that it might differ from what Michael describes, but it is still vital. She highlighted how being in nature and practicing mindfulness can help regulate the nervous system, providing clarity and aiding in making the best decisions. Renee also noted that while religion is a significant path for many, there are other paths for people to connect with spirituality, such as being in nature. Spirituality in Leadership and Well-Being Renee and Michael discussed the importance of spirituality in their personal and professional lives. Renee emphasized that spirituality promotes acts of service, perspective taking, and mitigates burnout, while Michael agreed that it helps keep a balanced mind amidst challenging situations. Both advocated for a more open-minded approach to leadership, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and the need to acknowledge one's limitations. They concurred that spirituality is a core part of their leadership, contributing to their overall well-being and effectiveness. Exploring Leadership Through Music and Curiosity Michael shared his admiration for the leadership style of Roger Nuremberg, a former conductor turned leadership consultant. He highlighted how Nuremberg's method of bringing a small orchestra into teams to play music and synchronize, served as a powerful leadership analogy. Michael also emphasized the importance of transparent communication and empowering team members to be leaders. Renee furthered the discussion by stressing the value of wonder and curiosity in leadership, which helps leaders see the complexity of situations and understand their place in the bigger picture. Michael acknowledged the influence of Nuremberg on his own leadership style, and expressed his intention to reach out to him for further insights. Creating Thriving Environments and Using Fathom Michael emphasized the importance of creating an