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Lead Smarter: Heal What’s Holding You Back

business communication and influence habits leadership psychology team building May 19, 2025
Brooke M. Dukes
Lead Smarter: Heal What’s Holding You Back
9:42
 

Your unconscious mind deserves a little TLC too.

We’ve all seen it: a leader with the vision, the charisma, and the color-coded spreadsheets—yet their team is stuck in a loop of miscommunication, high turnover, and awkward “team-building” exercises (trust falls, anyone?). Spoiler alert: it’s not the spreadsheets. It’s the unconscious patterns quietly steering the ship of leadership.

Let’s dive into how healing what’s holding you back can transform your leadership style, improve team dynamics, and unlock new levels of personal and professional growth.

Unconscious Patterns: The Silent Saboteurs

Unconscious patterns are sneaky. They don’t announce themselves with a neon sign that says, “Hey, I’m the reason you micromanage your team!” Instead, they operate in the background, quietly draining your leadership energy.

These patterns might show up as:

  • Overreacting to small mistakes (Did Karen really deserve that reaction for using Comic Sans?).
  • Avoiding conflict like it’s a group text asking for Saturday volunteers.
  • Struggling to delegate because “it’s just easier if I do it myself.”

These behaviors often stem from past experiences, like a micromanaging boss or a childhood where perfection was the only way to earn approval.

Heal Yourself, Heal Your Team

The good news? Addressing unconscious patterns benefits not just you, but your entire team. Imagine this:

  • Retention skyrockets because your team feels seen and valued.
  • Morale improves because you’re no longer projecting stress onto them.
  • Communication flows because you’ve stopped assuming everyone’s a mind reader (spoiler: they’re not).

Healing doesn’t require a one-way ticket to a silent retreat in the mountains (unless that’s your thing—send pics!). It’s about cultivating self-awareness and making small, intentional changes.

 

 

Leadership Tools to Tackle the Unconscious

1. Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness isn’t just for yogis or candle enthusiasts. It’s a game-changer for leaders. Practicing mindfulness enhances focus, improves emotional regulation, and reduces stress—helping you make smarter decisions under pressure.

  • Quick tip: Start with 5 minutes of meditation or journaling each morning to boost self-awareness and identify patterns holding you back.

2. Self-Reflection

Ask yourself: What triggers me at work? Why do I react the way I do?

Reflection is like holding up a mirror to your leadership habits. It helps uncover patterns, their roots, and how they influence your decisions.

  • Actionable step: Journal your thoughts daily, revisiting moments that stood out. Over time, this practice leads to smarter choices, stronger people skills, and better team dynamics.

3. Coaching

A leadership coach helps uncover blind spots, navigate challenges, and develop strategies tailored to your style. They provide a safe space to explore strengths, improve communication, and tackle tough situations.

  • Quick tip: Look for a coach whose expertise aligns with your goals and inspires you to step out of your comfort zone.

4. Human Design Consultations

Curious about how your unique energy impacts your leadership? Human Design offers insights into your strengths, challenges, and natural tendencies.

  • Benefits: Aligning with your design reduces stress, improves communication, and fosters a harmonious team environment.

Further Reading for Leadership Growth

For more insights into leadership and team dynamics, check out these related blogs:

Additionally, explore these external articles for broader perspectives:

Lead Smarter, Not Harder

Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, aware, and willing to grow. By healing what’s holding you back, you create space for your team to thrive and for yourself to lead with confidence and ease.

Ready to take the next step? Explore leadership coaching or a Human Design consultation to uncover what’s beneath the surface and unlock your full potential.

👉 Book your free strategy call today!

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