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 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 own 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. If you this event piqued your interest, don’t worry—our next workshops and events are just around the corner. We’re just a message away!
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