Real People, Real Leadership

Being “crowned” leader can be a humbling honor for those who understand the depth of responsibility that comes along with being labeled someone’s coach, supervisor, manager, senior manager, etc. With that, leading people at the workplace has larger implications that extend beyond the physical and virtual walls of an organization. Wearing that title means you are in a position that affects the lives of those that directly and indirectly report to you, and those that serve your organization, and that’s a big deal! Looking at our leadership responsibilities from that lens I recommend we start leading from a place of “realness”. Here’s what I mean.

Merriam-Webster defines realness as reality, and reality is defined as something that actually happens or exists. So, what does this have to do with leadership? Everything! Let me explain.

It is no secret that our world, not just our nation, is in a state of conflict. It is no secret that the very existence of some people is being threatened by the pandemic. It is no secret that the financial futures for some are crumbling right before their very eyes. This is the reality of many people (and much more) that show up at our workplaces and serve our companies each day. With all that realism, how are we as leaders showing up in a way that demonstrates vulnerability and compassion for others? Are we leading in a state of willful blindness or unconscious ignorance?  Pause and think about that…

In the midst of all of the above, as leaders we are still held accountable to achieve company goals. With that responsibility on our shoulders we have an expectation that people show up for work and produce outcomes that drive the bottom line. That’s a fair expectation of organizations, yet it also can become problematic when we do not lead from a place of realness. Let’s go deeper.  

More than ever as we consider the pangs of people all over the world, the need of others to feel valued and acknowledged has never been greater. The hurt people face daily is devastating. Even those that seem to have it altogether tend to show up at our workplaces with pasted smiles, broken hearts, and shattered dreams, and as a leader we need to get in tune with those realities because their issues are our issues. I’m not talking about becoming “quasi” psychologists (although there are things we can learn from that field of study). What I am saying is we need to understand and acknowledge that real people with real problems walk physically or virtually through our doors every day. That means it is incumbent upon us as leaders to consider the atmospheres we foster in our workspaces that make people feel empowered, not deflated, to perform at work, especially in the midst of everything else going on in and around their lives. There is a scripture from the Holy Bible that applies very directly to how we can cultivate this kind of environment that is found in Mark Chapter 12 vs. 31 in the King James Bible. It reads the following:  

“…Love thy neighbor as thyself”

Even if you do not acknowledge the Holy Bible in your personal beliefs, I think we can all agree that how we care for others matter, no matter our religious differences. What that means for us as leaders is taking off our virtual crowns and honestly looking at the condition of our hearts, and the needs of people in and outside our organizations, to determine our level of true connectedness and compassion for those we serve. I’ve listed some questions below to consider if you are willing to embark on a journey of continuous self-development, so you can become the best leader for others in and around your sphere of influence. My ask of you is to be brutally honest with yourself. It’s from that place of truth that real, sustained change takes place. Consider the following:    

• How am I taking care of myself right now (emotionally, financially, physically, educationally, spiritually, etc.)?

• What kind of leadership do I exhibit that fosters authenticity and compassion for the needs of others, no matter who they are and what they do in and for our company?

• How are people in my organization, on my team, my peers, etc. feeling supported by me right now?

• As I consider the issues facing our world today, am I leading with my eyes wide shut or am I woke to what’s going on in and around me?

• What is the true condition of my heart?

• Do the people in and around my organization matter to me? If so, how do I demonstrate that?

• Do I honestly just care about the job getting done or do I care about the people who get the job done? How would others answer this question about me?

• If I don’t care about the people getting the job done, am I willing to face my biases and see others as a valued neighbor? If so, what one step could I take to move in that direction?

Remember this, the times we live in today are volatile, and the days of leading with our crowns on are over. Sometimes leading from that position of power separates us from the realities of the people we were elected to serve, and people need to experience real people leaders now more than ever.  What that means is being willing to grow in the areas of our deficiencies. It also means opening up the boundaries of our minds and making space in our hearts to demonstrate care towards others in such a way that they feel through our words and actions that they matter more to us than a means to an end. We must choose to lean towards those uncomfortable places in our minds and hearts, decide to listen and learn from others, and use that information to lead with a wider scope than we have in times past. The only way to get to this place is through honest self-dialogue, feedback from others, and a commitment to constant growth on our journey as leaders. This is how we will become real people who exhibit real leadership at a time when people need it the most.

Are you willing to become a real people leader? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to email me at sabrina@progeny1.training and let’s talk about ways I can partner with you or your organization on the path to exhibiting the kind of leadership that activates the potential in others and drives business results.