The Leader's Journey Podcast Leading Off the Map
May 10, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Mike DeRider, a pastor and coach, shares insights from his experience with Bowen Family Systems Theory. He discusses the importance of managing anxiety as a leader, emphasizing the role of guiding principles, humor, and curiosity. Personal stories about parenting children from the foster care system and navigating challenges in St. Croix highlight how leadership today requires adaptability and innovative thinking. Mike encourages exploring new approaches when off the map, with coaching and community serving as vital support.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Anxiety's Impact on Leadership
- Anxiety increases when facing unpredictable situations common off-map.
- This anxiety impairs thinking, making it harder to lead effectively if not managed.
Managing Anxiety to Lead Effectively
- Manage anxiety actively instead of denying it to function better when off map.
- Use calming techniques to lower anxiety and access core guiding principles in leadership.
Adoption and Guiding Principles
- Mike and Tammy adopted a boy with trauma, realizing the problem wasn’t just him but the family system.
- They developed guiding principles to navigate complex external pressures and manage anxiety.