What is Whole Leader?

Because leadership starts from the inside out; through learning to lead ourselves before we lead others, I have come to believe a holistic approach to leadership is essential. This is especially true given the high pressure and fast-pace work demands that most of us face today. How can we expect to be strong or even effective leaders when our metaphorical cups are empty? Leaders are humans which means we have a primal need for nourishment that feeds the mind, body, and soul. Here, you will find a wide range of topics related to leadership – some more loosely than others – all with the intent of providing tools which will help you become more whole and ultimately, the best version – and leader – of yourself.

About Me

I completed my doctorate in Human Sciences with specialization in Leadership Studies. I’m currently a  professor (assistant) of Communication at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and an associate editor for the Journal of Ethnographic and Qualitative Research (JEQR). I teach several classes related to communication and leadership (see the Academe tab for a full list). While my research interests are broad, they contain a common thread focused around notions of adversity, coping, and resilience. Outside of academe, I enjoy teaching yoga as a registered instructor (RYT-200) and specialize in practices focused on healing both body and mind. In my blog writing, I draw from my experiences, which are nearly as complex and diverse as my own interests, to share my insights about life and leadership in an honest (sometimes even raw) and hopefully, practical way.

My Promise to You

I promise to be honest and authentic in my words to you. I hope you will find my voice to be a true reflection of the person I am.

I am thoughtful and methodical. I care deeply about the things which are important to me. I am compassionate, but realistic. I am occasionally cynical and, at moments, self-deprecating.

I will always research the topics I write about, so that the information I provide is as accurate and reliable as possible. I will write from my own experiences, from my heart, and about topics that are truly important to me. I will write from my own perspective and share the things that resonate most with me.

I will not have all of the answers. I will not always be right. After all, no human is perfect (I know someone out there is saying, “well, there was that one guy…” so let me clarify – no human I have met has had all of the answers or has always been right or in any other way fulfilled the standards of perfection – at least not to this point in my life! So, let’s be realistic here…).

I don’t expect that you will find everything I write about to be personally relevant or meaningful. My hope for you is that you will find this blog helpful to you in whatever way you seek. Maybe you will find some tidbit of advice to be of use and the rest you can set aside. Perhaps, you will find a sense of community. Or, you may simply find comfort in knowing that you are not alone.

Whatever has brought you, please know that you are welcome here, and you are not alone.

With love,

Tiff

Questions or Comments:

Please feel free to email me at tiffani@whole-leader.com or you can simply use the form below.