Host: Helen Rimmer
Guest: Anna Reeve, Certified Coach specialising in compassionate work methods
Episode Overview: In this inspiring episode of Lead with Kindness, host Helen Rimmer is joined by Anna Reeve, a certified coach who helps professionals cultivate compassionate work habits. Anna shares her journey of overcoming burnout and how embracing self-compassion changed her life and approach to work. Together, they explore the importance of integrating kindness and compassion into the workplace and offer practical strategies for leaders and professionals alike to foster a more compassionate and balanced work environment.
Key Discussion Points:
Anna’s Journey: Anna opens up about her experience with burnout in her 20s and 30s, which led to chronic stress and migraines. She discusses how the pursuit of perfection and external validation affected her wellbeing and career.
Discovering Self-Compassion: Anna explains how learning and practising self-compassion, mainly through the teachings of Kristen Neff, has been key to managing stress, boosting productivity, and preventing burnout.
The Importance of Compassionate Leadership: The conversation highlights how leaders can model self-compassion and create a work culture that prevents burnout and supports employee wellbeing.
Workplace Culture & Burnout: Anna and Helen talk about the societal and workplace pressures that contribute to burnout, especially for passionate and dedicated employees.
Practical Tips for Creating Compassionate Work Habits:
Start small: Make small changes to introduce rest and recovery into your daily routine.
Be mindful: Recognize that your brain and body need rest to function at their best.
Self-awareness: Learn to spot red flags for stress and burnout in yourself and your team.
Role-modelling: Leaders must practice self-compassion to inspire it in others.
Advice for Disconnecting from Work: Anna shares strategies to switch off after work hours and set clear boundaries to protect personal time, such as setting up reminders and creating personal motivations.
Key Takeaways:
Compassion Enhances Success: Integrating compassion into work routines can lead to personal and professional success.
Start Small: Small, consistent actions like taking short breaks or dedicating time for personal hobbies can have a profound impact.
Compassionate Leadership Matters: Leaders play a vital role in preventing burnout by recognizing when their team needs support and leading by example.
Self-Compassion is a Skill: Like any skill, self-compassion requires practice and is essential for long-term wellbeing.
Resources Mentioned:
Kristen Neff’s work on Self-Compassion: Anna emphasizes the importance of this resource in her journey and work.
How to Connect with Anna:
LinkedIn: Anna Reeve Coaching
Website: Anna Reeve Coaching
Instagram: @annareevecoaching
Happier Work, Happier You Program: Anna's upcoming four-month coaching program focuses on integrating self-compassion into work for improved productivity and happiness.
Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your network, and leave a review. Every small act of kindness helps spread the message of compassionate leadership.
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