Imagine This: Leadership Rooted in Love
What would our teams, families, and communities look like if we responded in love—even when we’re offended or wronged? It’s easy to lead with love when everything is smooth sailing. But when criticism stings, trust is broken, or someone lets us down, our instinct is often to defend, withdraw, or retaliate. Yet, the world’s best leaders—and the most fulfilled people—choose a different path: they lead with love, especially when it’s hardest.
Imagine This: Leadership Rooted in Love
What would our teams, families, and communities look like if we responded in love—even when we’re offended or wronged? It’s easy to lead with love when everything is smooth sailing. But when criticism stings, trust is broken, or someone lets us down, our instinct is often to defend, withdraw, or retaliate. Yet, the world’s best leaders—and the most fulfilled people—choose a different path: they lead with love, especially when it’s hardest.
Announcing: My 30 Days of Love Challenge
Recently, I was compelled to reflect on how I reacted toward someone who, in my mind, truly deserved my negative response. I realised that—no matter what—I always have a choice in how I respond, and love should always be fed more than the need for revenge. Inspired by this, I’m committing to a 30 Days of Love Challenge, and I invite you to join me.
For the next month, here’s what I’ll be doing (and you can too!):
- Pausing before I respond—to emails, WhatsApp messages, or in-person conversations—to check in with my heart.
- Asking myself: “How would love show up in this situation?”
- Choosing empathy over judgment—especially when I feel offended, slighted, or misunderstood.
- Practicing forgiveness—letting go of small grievances and big ones, too.
- Offering encouragement and kindness—even when it’s not expected, and especially when it’s not deserved.
- Setting boundaries with love—remembering that loving leadership includes protecting my energy and well-being.
- Reflecting daily: How did I lead with love today? Where can I do better tomorrow?
I know it won’t be easy, but I believe this challenge will transform not only how I lead, but how I live.
Lessons in Loving Leadership
1. Respond, Don’t React
When we are offended, our initial reaction is often emotional. But mature leadership pauses, breathes, and responds thoughtfully. Love isn’t about being a doormat; it’s about choosing grace over grudges.
2. Forgiveness Is Strength, Not Weakness
Forgiveness is at the heart of love. Jesus modelled this on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Leaders who forgive foster unity and move forward with purpose. Research shows that forgiveness at work leads to better outcomes, higher engagement, and less burnout.
3. Boundaries and Compassion Can Coexist
Leading with love doesn’t mean tolerating poor behaviour or sacrificing standards. It means holding others accountable with compassion, not contempt.
4. Love Is Patient, Not Easily Angered
1 Corinthians 13 reminds us, “Love…is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” Love puts the brakes on anger and gives others the benefit of the doubt.
5. Leading With Love Is a Daily Choice
To lead with love is to be deliberate, especially when it’s uncomfortable. It means asking, “How do I want to be in this moment?” and choosing empathy, understanding, and forgiveness over ego and fear.
Scripture Spotlight ✝️
Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV):
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Podcast Reflection 🎙️
Throwback Episode: Overcoming Bitterness, Healing Through Forgiveness and Living From a Place of Gratitude, with Carolyn Jones
This week, I’m revisiting a powerful conversation with Carolyn Jones, Forgiveness Guide and Coach, who overcame decades of anger and bitterness through the power of forgiveness and gratitude.
Key Takeaways:
- Forgiveness doesn’t mean you condone what the offender has done.
- Being grateful creates more abundance.
- When you decide to forgive, you decide to hurt and suffer less.
Carolyn shares practical steps for forgiving ourselves and others, and why gratitude is essential for healing and abundance. Her journey is a reminder that forgiveness is a decision to suffer less and live more fully.
The Science of Forgiveness & Love at Work 🔬
- Forgiveness predicts higher job satisfaction, better engagement, and lower burnout in teams.
- Leaders who forgive and show compassion foster loyalty, trust, and a more positive workplace climate.
- Letting go of grudges is good for your health—lowering stress, anxiety, and even blood pressure.
Fun Fact of the Week 🤔
Did you know?
The phrase “kill them with kindness” isn’t just a saying—studies show that responding to rudeness with warmth can defuse conflict and improve outcomes for everyone involved.
Interactive Poll 📊
When you’re offended, what’s your first instinct?
🔘 Withdraw and stew
🔘 Confront right away
🔘 Pause, pray, and respond with love (or try to!)
🔘 Still working on it
👉 Vote now!
Resources of the Week 📚
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
A must-read on the power of vulnerability and wholehearted leadership.
Find Your Why by Simon Sinek
Discover how purpose fuels resilience and loving leadership.
Ready to Lead With Purpose & Productivity?
Are you ready to deepen your impact, lead with clarity, and set boundaries that empower both you and those you serve? Join me for a FREE Boundaries & Brilliance Masterclass: Mastering Purpose, Productivity, Boundaries!
🗓️ Date: June 11 ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM JA Time
In this live masterclass, you’ll gain:
- Tools to clarify your purpose and fuel your leadership journey
- Strategies to boost your productivity and manage overwhelm
- Practical steps for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries
- Insights to strengthen your emotional intelligence (EQ) and lead with confidence
Plus, you’ll connect with a community of growth-minded leaders who are committed to brilliance—just like you!
Secure your spot now: Sign Up Here
Let’s grow together and step boldly into our next season of leadership!
With grace and gratitude,
Heneka Watkis-Porter
Podcast Queen | Leadership Visionary Architect | Coach | Grace to Grow Mentorship Founder
P.S: if you want to stay in the loop and get content on uplevelling, I invite you to join my mailing list here: https://bit.ly/TEYNewsletter
