What Does It Mean to Be the Ground in Leadership?
In today's fast-changing world, many companies have cut their equity programs. Yet, the need to manage differences among employees never goes away. Leaders must learn how to lead courageously during these turbulent times. Aiko Bethea, author of Anchored, Aligned, Accountable, offers a powerful new leadership framework: be the ground. This means staying steady and grounded even when everything around you shakes.
Bethea is the founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting and a senior leadership consultant for the Brené Brown Education & Research Group. Her book gives leaders a practical way to handle tough moments with clarity and confidence.
Start with Yourself: The First Step to Grounded Leadership
Bethea believes real change begins inside you, not just in systems or structures. She says, "This idea of it starting from you gives you some solace. The idea that even when the world is shaking, be the ground." She loves the Maya Angelou quote about belonging: you must belong to yourself first. Otherwise, you will always chase external validation and feel unsteady.
In her book, the first chapter focuses on what she calls "the bullshit" — the beliefs, behaviors, and systems that affect us. She explains, "It's not like systems are just on autopilot. People feed into them and collude with them." By looking inward, leaders can see how they contribute to problems and start to fix them.
Key Takeaway for Leaders:
- Pause and reflect on your own beliefs and actions.
- Stop seeking approval from others; ground yourself in your own values.
- Recognize that systems are shaped by people — including you.
Why Leaders Struggle with Introspection
Bethea's framework has three parts: anchoring, aligning, and accountability. The hardest part for most leaders? Self-sustaining and being the ground for themselves. She says, "I can't even get to accountability unless I slow down and ask, what do I truly want?" Many leaders cannot name their emotions. They live disconnected from their feelings.
To lead well, you must pump the brakes. Slow down. Be introspective. Take ownership of your one life. Without this, you cannot anchor yourself or align with your values.
Practical Tips for Leaders:
- Schedule quiet time each day to reflect.
- Ask yourself: What am I feeling right now? Why?
- Write down your core values and check your actions against them.
Protection for Those Who Speak Up
One big challenge is speaking up about harm, especially if you belong to a marginalized group. Bethea reminds us that alignment with values is a privilege. She asks, "What is the cost of staying? What is the cost of silence?" Sometimes, you must run the math — pay the mortgage, keep insurance — and give yourself permission to decide.
If you choose to speak up, Bethea offers simple advice: anchor your conversation in the leader's stated values. For example, say, "Jeff, I know your value is X, Y, and Z. But I want you to know the impact of this action on us." This makes the discussion less personal and more about shared principles.
How to Have Courageous Conversations:
- Identify the leader's stated values beforehand.
- Frame your feedback around those values.
- Stay calm and focus on impact, not blame.
Why This Framework Matters Now
The CEO of the Hudson Institute for Coaching says Bethea's book "turns self-awareness and accountability into concrete practices that leaders can rely on when the stakes are high." In turbulent times, when the world feels shaky, Bethea encourages leaders to be the ground. By anchoring yourself, aligning with your values, and taking accountability, you can lead with courage and clarity.
Ready to lead differently? Start by looking inward. Be the ground for yourself, and you will become a steady force for others.
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