My previous post addressed the far reaching negative impact of rudeness on a culture's performance and creativity. In contrast, today I'd like to discuss an alternative to that type of leadership...the vulnerable leader.
People want to be led by real people. We respond best to leaders who don't have all the answers, who admit mistakes, and who are willing to apologize when appropriate. The following excerpt, written by John Baldoni, expresses this idea very well:
"No one aspires to leadership to reveal vulnerability. In some ways this may be the antithesis of our expectation that a leader remain always in control. We want our leaders to be strong as well as bold; we don’t like to see them weak; we don’t want them to be humbled. But at the same time, we need them to show humility.
Showing humility is an acknowledgment that you are first and foremost human, capable of doing good things but also aware that you have your shortcomings. Yes, dealing with those failings is a sign of vulnerability, but doing so reveals courage rather than cowardice. Aspiring to self-perfection is a fool’s errand; admitting to falling short and resolving to do your best is a sign of strength.
There is another aspect to vulnerability; it has mass appeal. The leader who is willing to admit he or she does not have all of the answers but still tries, is one that seems more believable than someone who pretends to know it all. It has been said many times that dictators are those who have all the answers. Leaders by contrast have answers but are smart enough to understand what they know and what they do not know."
Finding that delicate balance between confidence and vulnerability is a life-long balancing act. But, if you make it a personal challenge, it's worth the effort...
Editor's Note: This article was written by Dr. David Mashburn. Dave is a Clinical and Consulting Psychologist, a Partner at Tidemark, Inc. and a regular contributor to WorkPuzzle. Comments or questions are welcome. If you're an email subscriber, reply to this WorkPuzzle email. If you read the blog directly from the web, you can click the "comments" link below.
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