Sarah Crawford-Bohl

As a leader, I want people to feel safe coming to me.

I try to understand their feelings and create a safe place for them to be themselves.

And West, the W stands for wonder.

getting curious about what might be going on for the other person.

I ask questions and listen so I understand before trying to be understood.

When I focus on the principles of the compass, I'm able to move from reactive to proactive, getting into a mindset where I can be true to my values and share my voice.

I recall a situation not long ago where I was able to put the compass to use.

I was in a change management and communications role for a big project.

And while the work was complex and bumpy, I was proud of myself.

I was writing good stuff, inspiring hearts and minds.

Or so I thought.

One day, a physician came into the office where I was meeting with my boss, my boss's boss, and a number of other leaders.

He had one of my newsletters printed out and was waving it in the air.

"'Who's the cheerleader sending out this stuff?'

as an optimist, sometimes to a fault, I knew right away that cheerleader was me.

While I was embarrassed, I had a split second to decide, stay silent or speak up.

The compass came in handy in that moment.

North Star, what was the good and right thing to do?

Well, I needed to own my work, take the feedback,

So I said, that would be me.