For some reason, many leaders I work with are afraid to show their soft side. It seems that over the years a myth has developed that goes something like: “Leaders don’t show their soft side. It would ruin your leadership. People would not respect you.”
The sad result is that many leaders go to great lengths to hide their soft side:
- They scream
- They belittle
- They show no emotions
- They criticize often and seldom give praise
- They don’t show compassion
Yet, if you stop and think of the leaders you admire the most, what do you find? Often you admire them because even though they show great leadership with heart. They are not afraid to show their soft side and protect themselves. They can follow their hearts, not only their head
At a time when collaboration, participation, and innovation are key, the most successful leaders dare to show their soft side. Just like the best leaders have done over the years.
What about you? Do you dare to show. . .
- regret when you have been in the wrong?
- thankfulness when others help you?
- empathy when someone is hurting?
- doubt when there are no certainties?
- joy when there is a win?
- wholehearted listening even when the message is difficult to hear?
- excitement when new ideas are born?
- forgiveness when mistakes are made while exploring possibilities?
A friend, from one of the LinkedIn groups a frequent, recently wrote:
"Every roar has a whisper inside. Tune out the loud to hear the soft." ~Rand MacIvor
I think that’s sound advice for leaders. Don’t dismiss your softer side. Let it be heard. Many times a whisper is way more powerful that a roar.
Remember. . .
Let the soft voice of your heart be heard and it will enhance, not hinder, your leadership.
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Photo by: Alex E. Proimos