Everyday Courage: Leading Up, Down, and Around - Interview with DeDe Halfhill

Welcome back to another episode of the Leading with Heart Podcast! Today, I dive deep into the essence of courageous leadership with the amazing DeDe Halfhill, a retired United States Air Force colonel and a globally recognized keynote speaker. Throughout the episode, we discuss transformative leadership, overcoming fears, and fostering empathy and compassion in everyday interactions. Let's explore the key highlights from this impactful conversation.

Introduction to Courageous Leadership

I open the episode by addressing a common concern among listeners: how to apply leadership tools in environments that might not be welcoming to such change. I bring in DeDe Halfhill, who has extensive experience in the military and now works with industry leaders like Cisco and Capital One. DeDe’s perspective on everyday courageous leadership is refreshingly candid and insightful.

Small Moments Matter

DeDe shares her belief that true courage in leadership isn't found in grand gestures or high-stress situations but in the small, everyday moments. She reflects on her own experience, discussing how seemingly mundane interactions can build or destroy trust and connection within a team. DeDe recounts a pivotal moment when she asked her airmen if they felt lonely, not just tired, completely shifting the conversation and uncovering deeper issues. This illustrates how small, intentional actions can lead to significant change.

Practicing Courage Daily

The conversation continues with DeDe emphasizing that courage is a skill that can be learned and practiced. She compares it to training for a marathon, stressing that daily preparation equips leaders to handle significant challenges without injury, both literally and metaphorically. Both DeDe and I agree that consistent practice in everyday situations helps build the muscle for courageous leadership when it truly counts.

Tools and Techniques for Leaders

DeDe suggests several practical techniques for leaders to cultivate everyday courage:

1. Slowing Down and Being Curious: Giving oneself permission to be a learner and slowing down to truly understand others' perspectives.
2. Acknowledging the Practice: Recognizing that practicing these skills, like any other, involves stumbling and learning. Transparency and a willingness to “say it ugly” can foster genuine coomunication.
3. Self-Compassion: Being kind to oneself, especially when mistakes are made, is crucial for building resilience and courage. I add that fear often prevents leaders from engaging fully, and overcoming this fear with courage is essential.

Relational Skills and Empathy

We wrap up the episode with a discussion on the importance of relational skills and empathy, even in challenging environments. DeDe encourages leaders to practice empathy towards those from older generations who may not have been taught these soft skills. I emphasize the value of curiosity and self-reflection, especially when leading in unsupportive environments. We conclude by highlighting that developing these skills will offer future advantages as the workforce increasingly values human-centric leadership.

This conversation with DeDe Halfhill is a must-listen for anyone striving to be a more courageous and empathetic leader. Her insights into everyday courage and the practical tips shared can transform how you approach leadership challenges. Tune in to the Leading with Heart Podcast to hear the full conversation and start leading with everyday courage today!

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over on Instagram, or in my Facebook community!