Tough Conversations - Navigating Grief in Leadership with Christina Stiverson

In our latest episode of the Lead Your Life Podcast, guest Christina Stiverson shares her profound insights on the power of vulnerability in leadership. Drawing from her experiences as a retired Air Force officer and grief coach, Christina emphasizes the importance of integrating personal struggles and emotions into professional life to create a more empathetic and connected team environment.

Leadership Through Vulnerability**

Christina Stiverson highlights that true leadership lies in vulnerability. By sharing her personal grief and challenges, she fostered a culture where team members felt safe to express their own struggles. This transparency builds trust and genuine connections, breaking down barriers and creating a supportive work environment. Vulnerable leaders show their humanity, which engenders mutual respect and understanding.

Empathy and Connectedness
Empathy is key to effective leadership. Christina’s journey toward empathy involved sharing her grief over losing her daughter, Addie, to allow her team to see her as a person. This approach nurtures mutual compassion, bringing team members closer and strengthening both personal and professional bonds. Empathetic leadership fosters a deeply connected team.

Cultural Shift in the Military
We discuss the cultural shift within the military towards integrating emotional expression into leadership. Moving away from compartmentalizing personal and professional lives allows leaders to support their teams holistically. This evolving norm enhances the ability of military leaders to guide their teams through any challenge with a more compassionate approach.

Resiliency Tools and Gratitude
Christina underscores the importance of resiliency tools and practicing gratitude in building strong teams. By starting meetings on a positive note and celebrating wins, leaders can foster a culture of happiness and mindfulness. Gratitude practices not only aid personal recovery but also reinforce team cohesion and resilience.

Transformative Power of Grief
Christina’s personal grief journey profoundly shaped her leadership style. She learned that grief is a testament to love and should be openly shared rather than hidden. By discussing her loss with her team, she created a space for vulnerability and connection. Her experiences remind us that leaders also need support and understanding, especially during tough times.

Embracing vulnerability, empathy, and authenticity enables leaders to create strong, connected teams. The military’s shift towards integrating personal and professional experiences reflects a broader trend towards human-centric leadership. Christina’s journey demonstrates that true strength lies in the capacity to connect and support others.

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!

RESOURCES:

Connect with Christina Stiverson:

Website: https://www.graduategrief.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christina.stackstiverson

Join the Strong and Resilient Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/336774597179247

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode57