On October 21, 2024, Ms. Angela Concessa Cheung conducted a transformative workshop titled “Resilient Leaders and Teams: Leading with Presence & Empathy” at Cbloc IT Park, Cebu City.
The session brought together an accomplished and diverse group of leaders, including department heads from IT, Operations, Finance, and Human Resources, as well as project managers and wellness coaches from the VA Platinum.
These professionals, who play vital roles in supporting both their teams and client delivery, came together to explore practical strategies for fostering resilience, cultivating empathy, and leading effectively in the workplace environment.
The workshop aimed to address the unique challenges these leaders face, particularly in managing team dynamics, navigating organizational changes, and fostering cross-department collaboration.
Recognizing the pressure these roles entail, we focused on practical strategies to promote emotional resilience, empathetic communication, and psychological flexibility, ensuring they could lead with presence and composure even in high-stress situations.
Drawing from Simon Sinek’s philosophy of leadership as service, the discussion emphasized the responsibility of leaders to care for their teams while also prioritizing their well-being. Using the oxygen mask principle, participants were reminded that effective leadership begins with self-care.
Resilience as a Leadership Foundation
A key theme of the workshop was psychological flexibility—leaders’ ability to adapt to change while staying anchored in their values. This was explored through the concept of responding versus reacting.
In moments of pressure, leaders often react impulsively, but the ability to pause, reflect, and respond mindfully can make all the difference.
Participants explored principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), focusing on how acknowledging and radically accepting the presence of anxieties and worries can create a transformative shift.
Rather than engaging in a futile tug-of-war with difficult emotions, they learned to “unhook” themselves, allowing these feelings to exist without being dominated by them.
This approach empowered them to move forward with clarity and purpose, aligning their actions and decisions with their deeply held values, fostering a more grounded and value-driven approach to leadership and life.
The Role of Emotions in Leadership
Leaders were encouraged to view emotions not as obstacles but as tools that provide valuable insights.
Recognizing emotional baselines—such as stress or anxiety—can help leaders identify when they are operating from a place of reactivity rather than intentionality.
The workshop provided practical strategies for emotional regulation, including deep belly breathing, mindfulness meditations, and practical tips they could apply in day-to-day life.
Through guided practice, participants experienced firsthand how these techniques could bring clarity and calmness during high-stakes moments.
Empathy: The Heart of Leadership
Empathy took center stage as the workshop delved into its three dimensions: cognitive empathy understanding others’ perspectives), emotional empathy (feeling what others feel), and behavioral empathy (taking action to help).
Through an Art Exhibit Exercise, participants engaged with abstract images, interpreting their meanings, and appreciating how diverse perspectives shape emotional responses.
This activity underscored the importance of understanding and validating emotions, both within oneself and in others. Leaders were encouraged to approach their teams with curiosity and compassion, especially during moments of conflict or crisis.
Fostering Well-Being and Productivity
The workshop also tackled the challenge of balancing team productivity with individual well-being.
Leaders explored the red flags that distinguish normal stress from burnout, equipping them with tools to recognize when their team members might need additional support.
Discussions highlighted practical ways to foster a supportive work culture, such as implementing mindfulness practices, encouraging open communication, and addressing stress proactively.
For leaders wondering how to manage such situations effectively, the workshop offered guidance on when to seek professional help for their team members and how to support them in the interim.
Empathy in Action: Difficult Conversations
A particularly impactful segment of the day focused on handling difficult conversations with empathy. Leaders were introduced to a step-by-step framework for navigating sensitive topics while maintaining trust and respect.
Leaders were introduced to practical sequences for applying empathy in one-on-one conversations, offering a clear roadmap for how empathetic interactions can progress.
They learned to anticipate how these exchanges might unfold, identify potential pitfalls, and recognize setbacks as natural parts of the process. Leaders were encouraged to remain steadfast, understanding that different individuals may respond to empathy in varying ways, and that this is a normal and acceptable outcome.
By staying consistent in their empathetic approach, leaders were reminded of the transformative power of patience and persistence, trusting that, over time, empathy can foster meaningful connections and positive change.
Closing Reflections: A Call to Action
The workshop concluded with a powerful reflection on the legacy of leadership. Leaders were invited to consider the ripple effects of their actions: how their resilience and empathy could inspire positive change in their teams, organizations, and communities.
As the session came to a close, the company leaders were reminded of their capacity to shape the future through even the smallest acts of care and compassion.
The final words of the day resonated deeply: “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” These words from Mother Teresa served as both a call to action and a reminder of the profound impact that mindful, empathetic leadership can have.
The Takeaway
By the end of the workshop, participants walked away with practical tools, meaningful insights, and a renewed sense of purpose. Equipped to lead with presence and empathy, they left ready to build resilient teams and foster cultures where both productivity and humanity thrive.
Join Us for More Conversations on Mental Health
At Inner Peace PH, we are committed to creating spaces for meaningful conversations about mental health and personal well-being. We believe that true peace comes from understanding ourselves and embracing our imperfections.
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