Sensitive leaders choose empowered no’s and empowered yes’s

Regardless of whether you’re leading a team at work, volunteering on a committee, managing your household or running your own business — you will be constantly faced with decisions.

The possibilities are endless and opportunities abound. You could try this or step into that. However, as a sensitive leader, you only have so much time and energy.

Making conscious choices about what lights you up, what fits your skills, gifts and passions is essential.

One of the concepts I teach in my leadership program is how to choose an empowered no and an empowered yes.

Suppose you’re offered an opportunity and your inner people-pleaser (or high sensation-seeker) wants to immediately say yes.

Yes, I’ll do that, yes, I’ll take that on. I love to serve!

I totally get you, I have been there so many times in my life, signing up for everything that anyone offered. To later turn around and find myself completely exhausted and overwhelmed with too much on my plate. Struggling to follow through on my commitments, which feels terrible.

I’ve learned to pause before responding to an offer, take a hard look at everything I’ve already committed to and make an informed decision.