There were times in my career when nothing unsafe was happening directly to me. And yet I was constantly assessing whether I was truly safe. It took me years to recognize the pattern, and even longer to understand the questions I had not asked and choices I had already made.

We’ve all had moments when a leader’s behavior left us stunned or even angry. When the person we look to for guidance or stability becomes the source of tension instead, it can shake our sense of safety, confidence, and trust. This month’s blog invites you to step back and see what might really be happening in those moments, and how you can protect your energy and lead yourself with clarity and compassion.

How summer’s slower pace can reveal what your saboteurs are hiding and what it means for your leadership.

What if a lack of focus or creativity isn’t a flaw, but a signal? In this personal reflection, I explore what might really be going on when I feel stuck—and how I can meet it with honesty, compassion, and care.

It’s tempting to look for a quick fix. A new incentive. A clever shift in communication. A fresh meeting format.

But truly effective leadership doesn’t start with tactics. It starts when you take a step back and consider how to answer this question completely and responsively to your organization.