Navigating Leadership Tensions in Real Time: It’s not Weakness. It’s Alignment.
Each month, we’ll explore the tensions that sit at the heart of leadership and human behavior—the moments where clients feel stretched, uncertain, or caught between competing demands. These reflections are drawn from my work in leadership and executive coaching across private, non-profit, federal and military sectors, where these tensions surface consistently in complex, high-stakes environments.
At the same time, I invite you to make this your own. Whether you coach leaders, teams, students, or individuals in transition, these tensions are human—not role-specific. Adapt them to your context, your clients, and your coaching style—so they become not just concepts, but tools that deepen your presence and expand your impact.
By Lisa J. Kuruvilla, ICF MCC, CMC, CEC
It’s not Weakness. It’s Alignment.
Insight:
Many clients hesitate to speak up—not because they lack confidence, but because they are navigating competing priorities: relationship vs truth, harmony vs clarity. What often appears as hesitation is actually a signal that values are trying to come into alignment.
As coaches, our role is to help clients reframe this moment—not as weakness, but as an opportunity to align their voice with what matters most.
Sample Question:
Where might speaking up strengthen alignment—even if it feels uncomfortable?
Application:
Listen for hesitation. Slow the moment. Invite the client to explore what their silence might be protecting—and what it may be costing.
The Table | May 2026
Picture Left to right: Claudine Akondeng, Pamela Preeer, PCC, Della Shaw, PCC, Wanda Savage-Moore, ACC; Lakisha Davis-Flagg, DrPH, PCC, Karen Anderson, PCC
“Coaching can be a solitary profession, but it doesn’t have to be an isolated one.”
There are moments at The Table that remind us why we do this work—and why we need each other to sustain it. April’s gathering was one of those moments.
We welcomed a dynamic and experienced group of coaches, each bringing a unique story, perspective, and energy to the conversation. From those newly building their practices to seasoned coaches with many years of experience as internal and independent coaches, the richness of dialogue reflected the diversity—and shared purpose—of our community.
A Table Shaped by Geographic and Professional Journeys
We had coaches who had recently relocated to the Southeast, some building new roots in Jacksonville, and one traveling a significant distance simply to be part of our coaching community. All were curious to learn more about each other and the ICF North Florida Chapter.
We also heard powerful reflections on their evolution of identity as a coach. One participant shared a moment many of us recognize—the realization that what we once called coaching was, in fact, mentoring or consulting. She described that shift in awareness as transformational — a shift recognized by many of us
What We’re Navigating Together
The conversation organically centered around themes that feel especially relevant right now:
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Building a sustainable coaching practice
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The power of networking and authentic connection
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Maintaining ethical fidelity to the ICF coaching role
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Clarifying roles to strengthen the coach-client partnership and outcomes
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Coachability readiness, the differences between group and team coaching, and explorations of polarities and group energy
Wisdom at the Table
As always, The Table became a place of shared ideas, resources, and inspiration.
Several participants were published authors, sharing their published works and contributions to the field spanning leadership, purpose, and coaching in healthcare—alongside sharing of influential books and frameworks that continue to shape their thinking.
More Than a Meeting
What made this Table especially meaningful was not just what was discussed, but how. There was openness, generosity, and a willingness to share and listen. New connections were formed, and in the process, a reminder that coaching can be a solitary profession, but it doesn’t have to be an isolated one.
We Look Forward to Welcoming You
Karen and I continue to be inspired by what unfolds each month. The Table is becoming exactly what we hoped it would be: a place where coaches come not just to learn, but to belong.
If you’ve been considering joining us, we would love to welcome you to a future gathering.
There’s always a seat for you at the table.
Our next gathering takes place on May 14th:
