The Myth of the Perfect Leader
I've been doing a lot of individual work with leaders recently. They each share one thing - the myths we're told about leadership aren't serving them well.
Here's my take on what I've been hearing:
You don't need to pretend to be someone you're not. I don’t believe personal and work you are different characters. And if you're working with a coach who doesn't want to bring that "messy personal stuff" into the discussion, maybe you need a different coach.
Kindness isn't weakness. People need to want to follow you - give them a reason to.
Yes, there are perfectly good coaches who aren't sharp-suited, "let me tell you what I learned when I was CEO" types. Most of us are interested in you, and what you need. Not a process or our own egos.
Psychological safety goes both ways. Leaders need to feel safe, supported, and human too.
I'm afraid some established tropes are still true. What got you here won't get you there - and in these times of increased change and uncertainty, they almost certainly won't keep you here either.
You don't need all the answers. Confidence comes from curiosity, rarely certainty.
You don't always have to do more with less. Sometimes you're not doing enough with what you have. Stop and look around. You're almost certainly overlooking someone in the team who doesn't look, sound, or feel like you.
You won't progress if you just do what you think others want of you. That never works - you have to want it for yourself. So have you worked out what it is you want?
There's no flow to these eight observations. But there is consistency. Yes, we need to have the right environment, behaviors, and capabilities to succeed as leaders. But ultimately it comes down to three core questions:
What's important to you? (Why are you a leader?)
How do you define yourself? (Who are you as a leader?)
What drives your every decision, action, and thought? (What's your purpose?)
This is the work. And if you want to progress and create value - for yourself, your team, your business, your family - if you're not working on that, start now.
I spent too long not doing the things that gave me purpose - developing others to reach their full potential.
I worked my way up and ended up with a new purpose: manage politics and stakeholders, protect your team. Important, but not why I get out of bed.
These days? I can focus on what gives me purpose. And on what gives me joy. Family and messing about on two wheels!
If you want to talk more - get in touch through my website or message me on LinkedIn.
