Roots

Grounded Leadership Starts Here

Before you can lead others, you have to understand what grounds you.
The ROOTS phase of the ROOTS & EDGE Framework helps you reconnect with your foundation — your values, your habits, and your inner steadiness — so that when the winds of change blow, you bend, but don’t break

Each letter in ROOTS represents a mindset and habit that grounds effective, compassionate leadership.

R – Reflect

Focus: Self-awareness and honest observation.

Self-awareness is the foundation of every strong leader.

Reflection means taking the time to pause, assess, and understand both your emotions and your impact.

It’s asking hard questions like:

• What’s driving my decisions right now — fear, ego, or purpose?

• How are my words shaping the tone of my team?

• What am I avoiding because it’s uncomfortable to face?

• What patterns or behaviors surface when I’m under stress?

• When do I feel most aligned with my values?

• What’s one truth about my leadership that I’ve avoided facing?

“Awareness is the first act of leadership.”

O – Own

Focus: Accountability and integrity.

Accountability builds credibility — and credibility builds trust.
To own your actions is to take responsibility not just for outcomes, but for energy, tone, and follow-through.

Ownership says, “I set the example first.”
It’s about integrity over image, choosing honesty over defensiveness, and modeling what accountability with grace looks like.

In teams, this fosters psychological safety — because when leaders take ownership, others feel safe to do the same.

When thinking about ownership ask yourself:

• What part of my current situation is within my control?

• Where might I be deflecting responsibility?

• How do I show accountability without shame?

“Ownership is not blame — it’s power.”

O – Open

Focus: Vulnerability and curiosity.

Openness is the heartbeat of growth.
It’s the willingness to learn, to listen, to be wrong, and to evolve.
In a world where leaders are often expected to “know,” openness allows us to understand.

Being open means inviting feedback and perspectives — even when they challenge your assumptions.
It means creating a culture where curiosity replaces judgment, and vulnerability replaces pride.

• When was the last time I asked for feedback without defensiveness?

• What might I learn if I stayed curious instead of certain?

• Who challenges me to think differently — and how can I invite that more?

“Curiosity disarms ego and fuels growth

T – Tend

Focus: Nurturing yourself and your leadership energy.

Leaders are caretakers — of people, purpose, and culture.

Tending means protecting what sustains you and your team: rest, connection, and clarity.

You can’t pour from an empty cup — and you can’t expect your team to thrive in burnout.
Tending isn’t self-indulgence; it’s self-preservation. It’s checking in on morale as much as metrics, ensuring your environment supports the very growth you’re asking for.

In a field like hospice and palliative care, tending also means honoring humanity — ensuring compassion never gets lost in the process.

Remember to stop and ask yourself:

• What restores me when I’m depleted?

• Which routines protect my focus and balance?

• What relationships or habits have I neglected that need care?

“You can’t pour from an empty leader

S – Steady

Focus: Returning to center in times of turbulence.

Steadiness is the quiet confidence that anchors others.
It’s the ability to stay calm in chaos, to make decisions with grace under pressure, and to choose composure over reaction.

Steadiness doesn’t mean never feeling shaken — it means learning how to find your footing again.

For teams, a steady leader is a stabilizing force — someone who turns storms into teachable moments, not blame sessions

• What practices help me stay grounded in uncertainty?

• How do I regain calm after emotional disruption?

• What does “steadiness” look like for me right now?

“Steadiness isn’t stillness — it’s strength in motion