You Don’t Have To Be Loud To Lead

In this invigorating episode of ABGW, join Cheryl Paris as she dives deep into the art of resetting amidst the pressures of work stress. With her signature blend of authenticity and practicality, Cheryl encourages you to embrace the power of presence over performance, reminding us that genuine connection is forged through sincerity rather than superficial small talk.

Cheryl shares her strategy for initiating meaningful conversations in cross-team meetings, starting with a simple yet profound question: "What’s the one thing you need from me today?" By choosing a word to anchor your presence—like 'curious'—and focusing on your breath, you can set the tone for a more productive interaction.

Throughout the episode, Cheryl emphasises the importance of being real and choosing your pace, revealing how your quiet confidence can serve as an anchor for others in the room. She invites you to select one meeting from your calendar and prepare a powerful opening line to assert control and clarity. Remember, every small step you take is a move towards a more balanced future.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, Cheryl encourages you to reach out for support from professionals who can guide you on your journey. As always, trust in the progress you make, no matter how small.

The contents of this podcast are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have a specific health concern or condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional for more details. Check out herguru dot uk forward slash disclaimers.

Transcript

Reset And Grounding

SPEAKER_01 0:25

This is ABGW. Amazing, brilliant, gorgeous, wonderful. Five minutes to reset work stress with me, Cheryl Parris. We keep it human, practical, and a little wiry, but take what helps and leave the rest. Going first isn't about being loud,

Redefining Going First

SPEAKER_01 0:52

in my opinion. It's about being real. One beat earlier than usual on your terms. I have to be honest, I'm not a lover of small talk. I love clean starts. In cross-team talks, my quiet first move is one sentence. What's the one thing you need from me today?

SPEAKER_00 1:22

I choose

A Quiet First Move

SPEAKER_00 1:23

curious as my word. Reading out longer and letting the room borrow the pace. That's it. To me, presence beats performance. Warmth doesn't mean sparkle.

SPEAKER_01 1:47

It means sincerity. The sincerity you can sustain. Because people mirror steady more quickly than any

Presence Beats Performance

SPEAKER_01 1:58

sparkle in their any mirror. And you can then choose your distance and your pace. You might even discover your quiet is actually the anchor others need. So, what does that mean? Today, I want you to pick one meeting in your calendar and type a single opening line in your notes and read it out loud. Proof of control done.

A One-Line Action

SPEAKER_01 2:36

Now, if you feel unsafe or overwhelmed, please don't white knuckle it. Speak to your GP or your organization support or a qualified professional like myself. Because every step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards a brighter, more balanced future.

Safety And Support

SPEAKER_01 2:58

Trust in your journey and remember, progress is progress no matter the pace. Bye for now.