Courage is not usually life or death; it is most commonly the daily communication of our vulnerability and authenticity when life feels risky, scary, or even going by too fast! Our fast-paced world can be overwhelming, and it is okay to admit that. My goal is not to let it slow me down.
As a leader, my favorite part of the job is having the honor and opportunity to share as much of my experience as possible and bring my staff with me on our outrageous adventure. It takes vulnerability to do this authentically.
Vulnerability or willingness to share past experiences can create a connection with those you lead. It allows them to see you authentically, especially when you share a challenging experience and how your resilience kept you fighting, never giving up. This connection will inspire respect and trust.
As the leader, I often told the team I needed all hands on deck. This act of vulnerability fostered trust and collaboration. By openly acknowledging the challenge and inviting everyone's ideas, I empowered my team and showed them their input was valued. This approach led to more dynamic solutions because everyone felt invested in the outcome when we were brainstorming.
One of my favorite books on the topic is Brene Brown's Daring Greatly. In it, she touches on the perspectives we see in an argument and how vulnerable we feel, which usually spurs more misunderstanding.
I also connected with Darren Hardy and his Heros Journey training, another excellent example of learning to communicate and lead. You go through some of the most incredible emotional intelligence training available for a year.
In it, he describes how the days of leading via the old military/industrial complex, with strict and harsh leaders, will not succeed in our future. Today, most workers will leave a job in a heartbeat and go somewhere they feel valued, appreciated, and understood—somewhere that shares their values.
As leaders, we want to positively impact this world at home, church, school, work, or community. We need the courage to be vulnerable as we make those impacts!
This is not to say to overshare to staff and strangers. A strong relationship requires trust and security to be vulnerable; that is not every acquaintance.
I am thankful to live at a time when workers are better cared for, and families are a higher priority. Are you the kind of leader you want to be? Share with us your style of leadership or experience with a leader you respect.
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