ELEVATE Essentials

Debbie Fennell on March 2, 2026

Reading Pick: Strong Ground by Brené Brown

In times of uncertainty, leaders need more than answers. They need steadiness. Strong Ground invites leaders to reflect on how they stay anchored in their values, emotions, and decision-making when pressure is high and clarity feels elusive. Rather than offering quick fixes, Brené Brown encourages leaders to strengthen the internal stability that supports courageous, consistent leadership.

Consider these leadership reflections:

  • Strong ground begins with self-awareness. Leaders benefit from understanding what steadies them so they can support others with greater presence and clarity.
  • Values are not aspirational statements. They are daily behavioral commitments, especially visible when leaders are under pressure.
  • Leadership clarity is strengthened through emotional literacy. Accurately naming what is happening internally often improves judgment, communication, and trust externally.

Actions to Consider

  • Create a shared leadership reading journey using Strong Ground to build common language around values, emotional awareness, and courageous leadership. This can be inclusive, engaging, and energizing.
  • Integrate brief reflection moments into leadership meetings to connect decisions back to stated values. Awareness develops over time through intentional practice.
  • Encourage leaders to pause and name emotional signals during challenging conversations to improve clarity and trust. Going beyond surface-level emotions can be especially helpful. For example, frustration may also reflect:
    • Powerlessness
    • Disappointment
    • Overwhelm

While leaders never assign or judge others’ emotions, increasing the precision with which emotions are named can be a powerful step toward restoring balance and effectiveness.


Shared from February 2026 Issue of Thunderbird Leadership Consulting ELEVATE – Tbird’s Hub for Practical Leadership Insights.

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