The Power Within: The Crucial Role of Somatic Awareness and Validation in Leadership
By Jennifer Zach
In the realm of business success, optimal team performance lies primarily in problem-solving strategies and a deeper understanding of human nature. Listening to validate first is an important yet often overlooked leadership skill. Its influence lies not just in its capacity to generate solutions but in its ability to calm the nervous system and leverage clear thinking.
Our innate urge to quickly solve problems stems from a deeply ingrained part of our human biology inherited from our prehistoric ancestors, who relied on rapid problem-solving to survive regular danger.
This wiring for survival is by design and part of our human instinct, and despite the leaps in our lifestyles, it still influences our responses in our modern world. While invaluable in life-threatening situations, this inherited state can potentially provoke costly overreactions when the stakes are not a matter of life or death.
A leader's well-intended desire to solve problems might misalign with the actual needs of their team members if triggered by a threat response. Often, individuals seek validation—a comment or gesture acknowledging their thoughts or emotions without an instant fix. Prioritizing validation over listening to fix can save time, avoid misunderstandings, nurture trust, and result in smoother progress.
Serving the Deeper Human Need
Navigating through the complexities of leadership, particularly when teams are grappling with their survival instincts, poses a considerable challenge. Validation, a cornerstone of effective leadership, involves meeting someone where they're at in their experience and holding space for them in a curious, non-judgmental way. The leader who validates first fulfills the deeper human need—to be seen, heard, and believed.
Attending to these fundamental human needs cultivates a culture of psychological safety, curiosity, open communication, and innovative problem-solving. The art of validation isn’t just a skill; it is a practice that demands a leader’s presence, attentiveness, and willingness to hold a supportive space without fixating on fixing. It’s a leadership trait that acknowledges the importance of the human experience in supporting team success and driving positive business results.
Bridging the Divide
Not all problems pose genuine threats; they might be uncomfortable, perhaps, yet not inherently unsafe. While crucial in life-threatening situations, our biological instincts override rational thinking, distancing us from viable solutions.
Leaders can bridge this divide by attuning to their "soma"—bodily awareness. Physical sensations like tension, stomach knots, or fatigue serve as indicators of a brewing stress storm put forth by what could quite likely be a perceived threat.
By acknowledging and interpreting these physical sensations, leaders can reclaim control from automatic biological reactions. Discerning the difference between real and perceived threats allows leaders to engage their cognitive faculties more fully and effectively, fostering better decision-making and more adept problem-solving within their teams.
Validate First
Somatic awareness is an essential leadership skill. When propelled by a triggered threat response, the rush to resolve issues often leads to narrowed focus, potentially resulting in decisions that might be regretted later. Developing somatic awareness involves tuning into our body's signals, empowering us to understand our emotions better and enabling us to adjust and regulate our responses in real time.
Consider a scenario where a team member expresses they feel like no one on the team cares because they don't respond to their email updates. If the initial impulse is to listen to fix, and a leader jumps in too quickly with suggestions, there’s a risk of overlooking the fundamental human need for validation. However, by recognizing the signs of an impulse to fix, leaders position themselves to respond from a more regulated state with a validating response like, “I bet you do feel like no one cares. How frustrating.” This approach empowers leaders to more skillfully address the matter at hand by prioritizing the crucial act of listening and validating the team member’s concerns first.
Emotional Well-Being is a Precursor
Embracing validation as a priority within an organizational framework cultivates a culture of psychological safety and interconnectedness. This emphasis on validation underscores its importance without overshadowing the significance of problem-solving by recognizing the pivotal role emotional well-being plays as a precursor to solving problems effectively.
Leaders committing to somatic awareness deepen their connection to themselves and others, fostering environments conducive to personal and professional growth. This whole-body leadership style unlocks potential and serves as a catalyst for inspiring trust while favoring a culture where individuals feel empowered to contribute authentically. It’s a pathway toward cultivating a culture where people feel seen, heard, and believed and begins with harnessing the power within.
About Jennifer Zach
Jennifer Zach founded Zach Coaching, LLC in 2009, a dynamic practice offering executive coaching, speaking, and learning facilitation. Jennifer is the author of “Somatic Awareness: Leading with Body Intelligence.” And she hosts the insightful podcast "Leader to Leader with Jennifer Zach." Jennifer's expertise has earned her recognition in various publications and conferences, including Choice Magazine, the Magazine of Professional Coaching, ATD's ALC Conference, TD Magazine, Training Magazine, and the Iowa SHRM Conference. Jennifer has also been featured at DisruptHR, solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in leadership and somatic awareness.
Learn more at https://jennifer-zach.com/.
If you’re interested in understanding more about how somatic practices can help you, consider working with a Somatic Therapist or Practitioner. The Embody Lab’s Somatic Therapist and Practitioner Directory can help you find the right practitioner to support your journey towards more self-compassion, connection, and authenticity. Explore our directory and find the support you need.
