The Darkside of Leadership – Part 3
Leading without emotion
This is an important subject with the level of chaos that is being exhibited around the world and the fact that COVID is now a distant memory we are more evolved emotionally than we have ever been before. We recognise that mental health is real, and in many organisations we are leading from a place of non-emotion when that is all we are made up of – Emotions. Therefore, I will be looking at authority and vulnerability and the power it can cultivate to truly transform Organisational Culture.
Leadership is often associated with having authority, making decisions, and taking charge. However, in order to truly connect with others and create a positive impact, leaders must also balance this authority with vulnerability. Being vulnerable means being willing to show our true selves, share our fears and weaknesses, and be open to feedback from others. It requires the willingness to admit mistakes and learn from them, which ultimately leads to growth and development.
Many leaders fear vulnerability because they believe it will undermine their authority. They worry that by showing their vulnerabilities, they will appear weak and not fit for the role. However, the reality is that vulnerability actually enhances leadership. When leaders are willing to be vulnerable, they create an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up and share their thoughts and ideas. This fosters collaboration, innovation, and creativity within the team.
The key here is to for people to feel safe. When vulnerability is shared in a non-safe space it really impacts the relationships experienced by employees, firstly with each other, and secondly with the leaders. There is extreme power in being vulnerability, however, my experience has shown me people fake vulnerability to be accepted by people in order to progress and this then makes you question if the people you are working with are truly authentic. Faking it till you make it is overrated and it creates a toxic environment that impacts mainly employees as the numbers are vast in comparison to executives.
The beauty in vulnerability also allows leaders to build trust and authentic connections with their team members. When leaders share their own stories of struggle and adversity, they create a sense of empathy and understanding. This allows team members to relate to their leader on a deeper level and feel heard and valued. When individuals feel valued, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to the goals of the organization.
In conclusion, balancing vulnerability and authority is crucial for effective leadership. By embracing vulnerability, leaders create an environment where everyone's voice is heard, ideas are valued, and trust is built. When leaders are willing to show their true selves and admit their own limitations, they inspire others to do the same, leading to a stronger and more resilient team. It is only through this balance that leaders can truly make a lasting impact and create a positive work culture. Leaders, think about changing your stance on vulnerability.
Recommendation of two books by Brene Brown;
1 – Dare to Lead
2 – The Gifts of Imperfection
