Summary

Leadership isn't always about being tough and demanding. It has a lot to do with who you are and how you show up every day.

Leadership. It’s a word that evokes images of strength, decisiveness, and unwavering confidence. For a long time, that’s exactly how I thought I had to be as a leader. Tough, in control, with all the answers. I believed that showing vulnerability was a sign of weakness. That admitting uncertainty would undermine my authority.

But the harder I tried to fit into this traditional leadership mold, the more stressed I became. And the less effective I was, and the more disconnected I felt from my team. The constant pressure to project an image of strength created a sense of isolation and fear. I worried about being exposed as incompetent, about not living up to expectations.

The Turning Point

Thankfully, I had a turning point. Through my own experiences, through coaching, I began to realize that true leadership wasn’t about being tough. It wasn’t about having all the answers. It was about something much deeper, something more human.

Here’s what I learned:

• Vulnerability is strength: Allowing myself to be vulnerable, to admit my limitations, and to ask for help actually strengthened my connections with my team and built trust. It created a space for others to be vulnerable as well, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration.
• Authenticity is key: Showing up as my true self, rather than trying to conform to some idealised image of a leader, allowed me to connect with my team on a more genuine level. It created a sense of trust and respect, as they could see that I was being real with them.
• Empathy is essential: Putting myself in my team’s shoes, understanding their perspectives, and responding with empathy created a more supportive and collaborative environment. It allowed me to build stronger relationships and motivate my team more effectively.
• The inner critic is a liar: Those nagging doubts and fears? They’re just thoughts, not truths. By recognising them as such, I could detach from them and choose to focus on my strengths and capabilities.

The Shift in Perspective

This shift in perspective, from a focus on strength and control to an embrace of vulnerability and authenticity, transformed my leadership experience. I became more confident, more effective, and more fulfilled in my role. I was able to build stronger relationships with my team, navigate challenges with greater resilience, and create a more positive and productive work environment.

Leading with Authenticity

Leadership is not about perfection; it’s about connection, growth, and making a positive impact. It’s about embracing your authentic self, with all your strengths and vulnerabilities, and leading from a place of compassion, empathy, and purpose.

If you’re a leader who is struggling to fit into a traditional leadership mold, I encourage you to explore the power of vulnerability and authenticity. It might just be the key to unlocking your full leadership potential and creating a more fulfilling and impactful leadership experience.

And perhaps, it’s really all about being fully present?

Connect with me on LinkedIn.