“Why Leaders Are Falling Short: The Untapped Power of Somatic Leadership,” Says Team Approach Founder Louise Lugsdin

Geelong, Victoria Sep 23, 2024 (EMWNews.com) – As the demands on leaders continue to evolve, traditional leadership skills are proving insufficient. Louise Lugsdin, Founder of The Team Approach, argues that somatic leadership training–focused on nervous system regulation and emotional management–is the essential skill that leaders need to excel, yet it remains underutilised.

“Leaders are often trained to strategise and meet targets, but what about managing the emotional challenges that come with the job?” asks Lugsdin. “Effective leadership is rooted in the ability to stay calm under pressure and lead with empathy, and that’s where somatic leadership training makes a significant difference.”

The Missing Link in Leadership Development

Lugsdin highlights that somatic leadership is key to fostering psychologically safe workplaces–environments where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. “We need to be well to lead well,” she emphasises. “Without the capacity to manage emotions, leaders risk creating toxic work cultures that drive talent away.” She adds, “We’ve all seen the PR disasters that arise from leaders who react impulsively. But the real issue goes deeper–it’s about the culture they create.”

A recent Gallup study found that companies with highly engaged employees outperform their competitors by 147% in earnings per share. Furthermore, the same study reveals that not engaged and actively disengaged employees account for a staggering $8.9 trillion in lost productivity worldwide. Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report shows that only 23% of employees globally feel involved in and enthusiastic about their work. In comparison, 62% do the bare minimum, and 15% are actively disengaged, often due to poor management.

A New Standard for Leadership

Somatic leadership training differs from traditional business coaching by focusing on emotional regulation. “It’s not just about meeting deadlines or improving financials,” Lugsdin explains. “It’s about helping leaders develop the emotional capacity to lead with empathy, patience, and compassion.”

Lugsdin points out that leaders who are emotionally grounded build resilient, innovative, and engaged teams. “That’s the true measure of success,” she says.

As awareness of mental health and well-being in the workplace grows, Lugsdin believes the demand for somatic leadership training will increase. “This is not a soft skill; it’s a mastery that every leader should have,” she asserts.

The Team Approach, based in the Bellarine area of Geelong, is at the forefront of offering somatic leadership training across Victoria. “We’re here to help leaders develop the capacity they need to lead effectively, create supportive workplaces, and drive business success,” Lugsdin concludes.

Contact The Team Approach today for more information on somatic leadership training and how it can transform your business.