What makes a leader unforgettable? It’s not just their results or strategy—it’s their heart. Recently, I had the privilege of participating in a virtual panel discussion on The Leadership Challenge’s Practice 5: Encourage the Heart. As part of the Greatness Talks Book series, notable program facilitator Ed Buchanan moderated an inspiring session featuring the legendary Dr. Barry Posner, whose insights set the stage for a rich and engaging discussion. I was honored to join my esteemed colleagues, Dr. Adrienne Garabedian and Sonja Keeve, in contributing to the dialogue.
Dr. Posner, a best-selling author and co-creator of The Leadership Challenge, delivered transformative insights on how leaders foster growth, connection, and change by encouraging the heart. He even shared an exciting update: a new edition of his earlier book, Encourage the Heart, is in the works—a testament to his commitment to helping leaders guide with care and intention.
While Dr. Posner provided the foundation with his wisdom, my colleagues and I built on it, sharing our own experiences with empathy, perseverance, and accountability. Together, we painted a vivid picture of how encouragement transforms not just individuals but entire communities.
Empathy and Accountability: Redefining Leadership
Each panelist brought unique stories that illuminated the power of leading with heart.
Dr. Adrienne Garabedian spoke about the delicate balance between empathy and accountability. She recounted a situation with a struggling student who wasn’t meeting expectations. Instead of lowering the bar, Adrienne leaned into empathy to uncover the root of the problem while holding the student accountable for progress. “Empathy isn’t about lowering the bar—it’s about helping people reach it,” she explained.
- Takeaway: Great leaders blend empathy and accountability to create environments where people feel valued and motivated to grow.
- Question: How do you balance empathy and accountability in your leadership style?
Sonja Keeve’s story left the audience deeply moved. Picture this: a mother walking across the stage to receive her bachelor’s degree, her children cheering in the crowd. Later, they supported her through her master’s program, and her father lived to see her begin her doctoral studies before his passing. Sonja’s journey wasn’t just about perseverance—it was about creating a legacy. “When my students share their struggles, I can say, ‘I’ve been there too,’ and mean it,” she said, highlighting the power of relatability in leadership.
- Takeaway: Sharing personal challenges builds trust and shows others they’re not alone in their struggles.
- Question: How can your own story inspire those you lead to overcome their challenges?
Modeling the Way: A Mentor’s Example
During the panel, I reflected on my nontraditional path through higher education, guided by Dr. Posner’s principle of Modeling the Way and the example set by one of my first mentors.
As a first-generation college student, I was told by a high school counselor, “Why bother with college? You’ll end up a wife, maid, or secretary—none of which require a degree.” Those words could have defined my future, but a mentor showed me another way. I worked full-time while attending night classes to earn my bachelor’s degree, learning persistence and focus along the way. Later, while pursuing my master’s degree, I balanced a demanding career, traveling 80 percent of the time. It wasn’t easy, but the example set by my mentor—and a belief that my why was bigger than my why not—kept me going.
Now, as a doctoral candidate, I strive to model resilience, accountability, and perseverance for my students. Dr. Posner’s principle reminds us that leadership isn’t just about guiding others—it’s about living the behaviors we hope to inspire.
- Takeaway: By leading through example, we empower others to envision and achieve their own potential.
- Question: Who has inspired you by modeling the way, and how are you doing the same for others?
Encouraging Growth and Celebrating Progress
Dr. Posner’s insights reinforced the transformative power of encouragement. He shared how recognizing people’s efforts helps them unlock potential they may not have seen in themselves. “When we encourage the heart, we give people permission to grow and flourish,” he said.
We also discussed the importance of celebrating progress—not just the final destination. I shared how I’ve created “virtual celebrations” with my students to mark milestones, like completing a particularly challenging module. These gatherings may seem small, but they foster a sense of belonging and collective pride.
Dr. Posner reminded us that acknowledgment doesn’t need to be extravagant to be impactful. “Authenticity is key,” he said. “A heartfelt thank-you or acknowledgment of effort can leave a lasting impression.”
- Takeaway: Celebrating the journey—not just the results—strengthens trust and motivates growth.
- Question: What small success can you celebrate today, for yourself or someone else?
Betting on Encouragement: Creating Ripples of Transformation
For me, this panel wasn’t just a discussion—it was a powerful reminder of how leadership creates ripples of transformation. The Leadership Challenge shows us that small, intentional acts of encouragement—recognizing progress, setting an example, and sharing empathy—can inspire exponential growth.
Every challenge, every setback, and every late night spent working and studying has shaped me into the leader I am today. Those experiences have equipped me to help others uncover what’s possible in their own lives.
When we choose to lead with encouragement, we create ripples that extend far beyond what we can see. By recognizing the potential in others and modeling the way forward, we build stronger teams, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.
- Takeaway: Encouraging others is the first step toward creating lasting, positive change—for them and for yourself.
- Question: What ripple effect can you create by betting on encouragement in your leadership today?
Through our Inspiration Moments, we explore ways to help adult learners thrive in digital spaces, finding insights and resources that make growth more achievable, even for those juggling many responsibilities.
For more inspiration and resources to help you reach your potential, visit bettingonme.com. Together, let’s make the most of the opportunities before us and create a future full of promise.
Thank you for reading. Until next time, keep believing in your ability to thrive and grow.
Respectfully,
Lynn “Coach” Austin
Related Resources
Books
- The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner
- Encouraging the Heart by James Kouzes and Barry Posner
- Credibility: How Leaders Gain and Lose it, Why People Demand It by James Kouzes and Barry Posner
- Allow me to Introduce the Adult Learner by Adrienne Garabedian
- The BOM: Betting on Me by Lynn F. Austin
Podcasts
Blog Posts
BettingOnMe: Inspiration Moments by Lynn F. Austin
- Loving the Journey: Leadership and Life Lessons from Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
- The Digital Age and Online Learning: Empowering Adult Learners
- Revolutionizing Strategic Planning with AI: CEOs Are You Ready?
- Amplify Your Business Success: Harnessing AI with Purpose
- Unlocking the Power of Agentic AI: Blending Technology with Strategy and Leadership
- Unlocking Purpose: The Intersection of Mindfulness, Innovation, and Leadership
- Embracing Mindfulness: A Game-Changer for Your Work Life and Beyond
- Uncovering Your Purpose: Embracing the Leader Within
- Unlock the Power of AI: Elevate Your Personal Brand to New Heights
About
Lynn F. Austin is an educator, author, entrepreneur, and doctoral candidate who is passionate about inspiring others to reach their highest potential. With a strong foundation in faith and expertise in leadership, personal growth, and AI in higher education, Lynn is an emerging thought leader dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace challenges.
As a speaker, Lynn shares her insights and experiences at schools, conferences, and workshops. As the author of The Newman Tales children’s book series and other business, motivational, and faith-based books, Coach Austin draws from personal experience and professional expertise to motivate readers to join her toward purposeful living along a “life happens for me (not to me) to live my purpose” journey of faith, growth, and inspiration.
