Susan Eckstein's Unarmored Leadership

02/21/2025

11/08/2024

I am excited to share how to support group coaching clients using my Unarmored Leadership™ Coaching Model.

Join me for a free interactive conversation on Zoom on Thursday, November 14th, at 1:00 pm ET.

Register free: https://lnkd.in/gJ5jgnx9

06/04/2024

Tonight's the night! If you're on Long Island, come join me, Christine Raniets, Terrie Magro, Lisa Arning, and Meaghan Gambino for a fireside chat on personal branding, leadership, and putting down your armor in Garden City for the Ellevate Long Island Chapter.

To register and learn more about this event, click on the link below 🔥

I hope to see you there!

Sharpen your leadership skills! Build a brand that stands out! Unleash your "SUPERPOWER." A fireside chat with a panel of seasoned leaders with advice you have not heard before! Mobilize Women Event

03/26/2024

🥇 Are you a leader who feels like you’re holding yourself back?
👥 Do you want to cultivate a deeper relationship with your team?
↗ Would you like to let go of some of your old behaviors and lead differently?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then my Unarmored Leadership Quiz is for you.

This quiz is more than just an assessment - it offers a unique perspective on your leadership style and the ‘armor’ that may be holding you back.

Once you complete this quiz, you’ll:

🔎 Discover your Unarmored Leadership archetype
🛡️ Gain insights into the subconscious armor you may be wearing
💪 Receive tailored action steps to help you dismantle your armor and cultivate a leadership style that’s authentic, empathetic, and empowering

This quiz provides value for leaders of all levels, whether you’re looking to refine your leadership approach or unlock new areas of growth. So, take the quiz now - it takes only two minutes to complete.

Click on the link in my bio to get started!

03/25/2024

“A gorilla 🦍 ready to attack.”

That’s how I would describe a former boss whenever someone respectfully challenged him. He would get up from his chair, place his arms on the conference room table, and stare at the person who offered a different point of view.

Of course, my boss never physically attacked anyone. Still, his body language made it clear that he disapproved of what he was hearing, even when he announced that he welcomed other people’s ideas and opinions.

Armored leaders often show their defensiveness through their body language: crossed arms, minimal eye contact, and a closed stance can impede open communication and collaboration with their team.

03/18/2024

🤯 “Keep your head down and work hard.”

❄️ “Vulnerability is weakness.”

⁉️ “Don’t question, just follow.”

⏳ “Be the first one in and last one out.”

😏 “The boss is always right.”

Some of us tend to follow specific ‘rules’ that we were taught early on in our careers. Even if you disagree with them now, they may still influence you, and this can affect your ability to lead in a way that aligns with your values.

If you feel that these rules no longer resonate with you, let them go. You don’t need to carry them around anymore. When you put down the armor, you can become a more authentic and unarmored leader.

03/11/2024

When you ignore your boundaries, the integrity of your leadership can unravel. The weight of disappointing others and personal and societal expectations often pushes us to choose others instead of choosing ourselves.

Setting boundaries is not just about personal well-being - it’s about setting a standard for your team. Without clear limits, leaders can become overextended, stressed, and less effective, which can lead to a work culture where overstepping and burnout are the norms, not the exception.

By honoring your limits and leading by example, you create a healthier, more respectful, and productive environment for everyone.

03/05/2024

If you haven’t read “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin, you need to.

It’s one of the most impactful books I’ve ever read and a reminder that sharing how you see the world matters.

03/04/2024

Armored leaders often dig their heels in, banking on familiar strategies and tactics despite the change happening around them. It might feel safe to stick to what’s worked in the past, but real growth and opportunities come from looking at new perspectives and innovative approaches.
 

02/14/2024

Leaders who are ‘all business, all the time’ are missing out. Small talk may feel inconsequential, but it is vital to building connections, rapport, and relationships with your team.