Podcast Summary
Embrace new behaviors to become an authentic leader: To grow as a leader, leave your comfort zone and adopt new behaviors, even if they don't feel natural at first.
Authenticity as a leader doesn't mean staying in your comfort zone. Instead, it requires trying out new behaviors and stepping out of your familiar role. According to Erminia Ibarra, a professor of organizational behavior at London Business School, this paradox can arise when you're moving into a new leadership role or navigating organizational change. To become a more authentic leader, you need to leave your comfort zone and adopt new behaviors, even if they don't feel natural at first. This process can be challenging, but it ultimately leads to a more authentic version of yourself. It's important to remember that defining authenticity solely in terms of being who you've always been can actually hold you back. Additionally, when communicating with your team, balance authenticity with vulnerability to build trust and effective relationships. In summary, to grow as a leader, embrace the authenticity paradox and be willing to try new things, even if they don't come naturally at first.
Fear of inauthenticity and failure in new roles: Embrace a learning orientation and practice new behaviors in low-risk situations to expand skill set and avoid stagnation
People often feel uncomfortable selling their ideas or taking on new roles due to a fear of being perceived as inauthentic or failing. This fear stems from the uncertainty and unfamiliarity of new situations, as well as the fear of not living up to expectations or becoming someone we don't want to be. However, growth and development require taking risks and making mistakes. The key is to approach trial and error smartly, by practicing new behaviors in low-risk situations and gradually building up confidence. By embracing a learning orientation and allowing ourselves the margin for error, we can expand our skill set and avoid stagnation.
Navigating a new role: It's normal to feel uncertain in a new role, but give it time to learn and grow, seek feedback and support, strike a balance between transparency and authenticity, and be patient and persistent.
Transitioning into a new role or assignment can be a challenging process, and it's normal to feel uncertain or even uncomfortable at times. It's important to remember that not every role will be the right fit for you, and it's okay to make mistakes or stretch too far. However, it's crucial to give it enough time to learn and grow into the new role, especially when it comes to developing leadership behaviors like effective communication, delegation, and listening. Seeking feedback and support from your network can also help make the process smoother. It's important to strike a balance between transparency and authenticity as a leader and disclosing struggles to your team, but avoid sharing too many doubts that may undermine your authority. The length of time it takes to adjust to a new role depends on the size of the stretch and the specific challenges you're facing, but it can take several months to start feeling more comfortable. Ultimately, patience, persistence, and a strong support system can help you navigate the ups and downs of a new role and come out stronger on the other side.
Adaptable leadership: Morphing and adapting to different situations and audiences: Effective leaders adapt their styles to fit various circumstances and audiences, drawing from a broad repertoire without being insincere or fake.
Effective leadership requires adaptability and the ability to shift styles based on different situations and audiences. This concept can be thought of as being a "chameleon" leader, who can morph and adapt to various circumstances. However, it's important to note that being a chameleon leader does not mean being insincere or fake, but rather having a broad repertoire of leadership styles to draw from. The popular notion of authentic leadership as being transparent and confessional may not resonate with all cultures, and it's essential to recognize and respect the differences in leadership styles across various contexts. To become a more adaptable leader, consider learning from role models and observing their stylistic approaches. By tailoring these elements to your unique personality, you can effectively lead in a variety of situations.
Embrace the process of change and growth for authentic leadership: Authentic leadership isn't about staying the same, but continuously growing and adapting through learning new skills and behaviors.
Being authentic in leadership doesn't mean remaining the same as you've always been. Instead, it's about striving towards a future self that is more effective, confident, and impactful. This transformation is not a straight line, and it may require stepping out of your comfort zone. As Herminia Ibarra, author of "Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader," explains, it's important to recognize that developing new skills and behaviors can lead to the most authentic version of yourself. It's not about hiding who you are, but rather about continuously growing and adapting. So, if you're looking to be a more authentic leader, embrace the process of change and be open to learning new ways to communicate, build relationships, and lead effectively. Remember, the most authentic version of yourself may be one that you haven't yet discovered.
Collaboration, Communication, and Empathy: Keys to Driving Innovation and Growth: Successful businesses prioritize collaboration, communication, and empathy, and are able to adapt to changing circumstances.
Key takeaway from today's discussion is the importance of collaboration and communication in driving innovation and growth. Maureen Hoch shared insights on how cross-functional teams can work together effectively, while Adi Ignatius highlighted the role of leadership in fostering a culture of innovation. Karen Player discussed the power of storytelling in communicating complex ideas, and Ramsey Khabaz emphasized the importance of empathy in building strong relationships with customers. Nicole Smith and Anne Bartholomew added to the conversation by sharing their experiences on the impact of technology on business and the importance of staying adaptable in today's fast-paced world. Overall, the key takeaway is that successful businesses are those that prioritize collaboration, communication, and empathy, and are able to adapt to changing circumstances. Thank you to Maureen, Adi, Karen, Ramsey, Nicole, and Anne for sharing their insights, and to our listeners for tuning in. We'll be back next week with more thought-provoking conversations.
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