This month we’re talking about the leadership strategy of Leading with Love. Let’s get right down to business and clear something up: leading with love doesn’t mean being soft, silent, or taking on everyone else’s chaos. 💪

True tough love leadership means showing up with empathy and boundaries.

It’s being a mirror—not a rescuer. You reflect, not react. You shine light on patterns with curiosity, not control. You lead with radical candor, not criticism. 🪞🪞🪞

Tough love can also mean not avoiding what needs to be addressed. It’s having the courage to give direct feedback about a behavior that’s not working—especially when it’s affecting the team dynamic.

Letting those situations linger isn’t love, it’s avoidance. And while it may feel uncomfortable in the moment, it’s a deeper act of care—for them, for the team, and for yourself.

In coaching, I often witness how unresolved personal dynamics—old wounds, unmet needs—replay in leadership. It often shows up as:

➡️ Enabling toxic behavior ➡️ Internalizing others’ projections ➡️ Confusing compassion with over-functioning ➡️ Avoiding hard conversations to keep the peace

Tough love starts with you, too. I encourage you to think about the following:

💭Where are you tolerating more than is healthy?

💭Where are you rescuing instead of reflecting?

Leadership with empathy doesn’t mean taking on the weight of what others haven’t healed.

💬 Reflection for the week: Ask yourself… Where do I need to set a boundary that honors both my wellbeing and the growth of those I lead?

What would tough love look like—for them and for me?

📩 DM me or click here to schedule time to explore this in your leadership.