Leading with Empathy: My Journey as a PM with Generalized Anxiety and Conscious Leadership
Being a Product Manager transcends just understanding the nuances of products; it delves deeply into human connection, understanding, and leading with intention and empathy. This perspective isn't drawn from textbooks but from a deeply personal space - my struggle and journey with generalized anxiety. Guided by insights from Ray Dalio's "Principles: Life and Work" and "The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership" by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Warner Klemp, I've molded a leadership approach that recognizes vulnerability as strength.
Bearing The Invisible Backpack
Every day, generalized anxiety made it feel as though I carried an unseen burden. In the fast-paced realm of product management, the intrinsic challenges were magnified by my condition. Yet, it's this same anxiety that honed my empathy, enabling me to perceive and understand the unspoken struggles of colleagues. Dalio’s principles, combined with the commitments of conscious leadership, have offered a way forward, illuminating the path to conscientious and effective leadership:
Embrace Reality & Take Radical Responsibility: The first step in my journey was acknowledging my anxiety and taking responsibility. Similarly, in product management, understanding the true state of projects and taking charge is essential.
Commit to Curiosity & Radical Open-mindedness: Being a PM demands an insatiable curiosity and an open mind, especially when facing unfamiliar challenges.
Wholeheartedness in Goals: My personal and professional aspirations are intertwined, ensuring genuine dedication in each endeavor.
Feelings and Candor: I've always encouraged a work environment that welcomes emotional expression. This openness invariably leads to more genuine collaboration and communication.
End Gossip & Transparent Communication: Adopting a direct communication approach ensures that issues are addressed head-on, minimizing misunderstandings.
Appreciation & Valuing Differences: Recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths of team members ensures an inclusive and productive environment.
Commit to Learning from Mistakes: Embracing errors as stepping stones to growth fosters an environment of continuous learning.
Generosity & Effective Decision Making: Trusting that everyone is doing their best and making informed decisions sets the tone for a supportive workspace.
Play and Rest & Work-Life Integration: Balancing work with rest and recreation fosters creativity and sustains long-term productivity.
Abundance & Objective Assessments: A mindset of abundance, coupled with fair and accurate evaluations, builds a positive and transparent culture.
Integrity in Action: Upholding commitments, both spoken and unspoken, builds trust and fosters reliability.
Physical Well-being & Work Principles: Personal health is a priority, and recognizing its importance ensures that I lead by example.
Listen Actively & Stay in Sync: Active listening ensures alignment, minimizing chances of miscommunication.
Speak Candidly & Transparent Cultures: Encouraging honest feedback and dialogue fosters a culture of trust.
Commit to Growth & Constant Training: Embracing continuous learning ensures personal and professional evolution, keeping up with the ever-changing tech landscape.
A Journey of Continuous Evolution
Having generalized anxiety as a PM offers a unique vantage point. With the combined wisdom of Ray Dalio and the principles of conscious leadership, I've embraced a leadership style rooted in empathy, growth, and resilience. For anyone in leadership grappling with personal challenges, remember that our experiences can be our most potent teachers. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them guide your unique leadership journey.
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