For years, I assumed management meant having all of the solutions. I believed it was about staying polished, assured and at all times one step forward. But when there’s one factor I’ve realized, it’s this: Real leadership isn’t about wanting good; it’s about being current.
I’ll admit, this lesson didn’t come naturally. Early in my profession, I labored laborious to look unshakable, separating “work me” from “actual me,” considering vulnerability had no place in management.
However at some point, after delivering what I assumed was a spot-on, motivating speech throughout a workforce transition, a trusted colleague stated to me, “It doesn’t really feel like we’re being trustworthy about what’s actually happening.” That stopped me in my tracks. I spotted my try to steer with confidence was creating doubt as an alternative of belief.
Right here’s the factor: Individuals don’t join with good leaders. They join with actual ones. After we show up authentically, we create an atmosphere the place others really feel secure to be themselves too. Vulnerability isn’t a weak spot; it’s the important thing to belief, innovation and a tradition the place folks really feel empowered to do their finest work.
The right way to be an genuine chief
So, how will we get there? It begins with letting go of the concept leaders have to have all of it collectively. As an alternative, let’s give attention to:
• Proudly owning the laborious stuff: After we admit our challenges, we make it OK for others to do the identical.
• Being curious, not sure: Asking questions and looking for enter opens the door to new concepts.
• Celebrating progress, not perfection: Each misstep is a step towards development.
What would occur if we stopped making an attempt to look like leaders and centered extra on being leaders? How would possibly that shift the best way we lead our groups, our companies and ourselves?
Should you’ve been holding again—whether or not it’s a troublesome dialog, a daring concept or a glimpse of the actual you—that is your invitation to lean in. I promise, the magic is within the mess.
Right here’s to exhibiting up, as we’re, and constructing one thing extraordinary collectively.
Till subsequent time,
Amy Somerville
CEO of SUCCESS® Enterprises
Able to turn out to be an influential chief? Be part of The SUCCESS® Management Lab—a dynamic, 18-day digital course for individuals who wish to lead with readability, affect, and confidence. This hybrid expertise combines expert-led classes with dwell teaching to offer you sensible instruments to construct belief together with your workforce, navigate chaos and crises, form a wholesome, pushed work tradition, and extra. Secure your spot today.
This text initially appeared within the Might challenge of SUCCESS+ digital magazine. Photograph by ©Mike D’Avello
