2 joyful things happed today
🌞 The sun has finally arrived in Yorkshire, yah
🏡 The tall scaffolding from the house below ours has been removed. It had completely changed the vista and perspective from our house, acting as a barrier to what lies beyond.
I was reminded as they started to dismantle it this morning, how often do we, as leaders, put up our own ‘scaffolding’ or ‘armour’ that obstructs our true view and potential?
Leaders often build metaphorical scaffolding to protect themselves or to appear stronger. This scaffolding can manifest as:
🛡️ Rigid control: Trying to control every aspect of work to avoid failure
🧊 Emotional distance: Keeping a professional facade to prevent vulnerability
⚖️ Perfectionism: Setting unattainable standards to avoid criticism
This results in:
🚫 Stifled creativity: Team members feel restricted and hesitant to share innovative ideas
❌ Reduced trust: Emotional distance can lead to a lack of genuine connection with the team
🔥 Burnout: Perfectionism and control can result in overwhelming stress for both the leader and the team
The cost to your team and organisation can be significant:
🌟 Lost opportunities: Innovation and creative problem-solving are hindered
💔 Low morale: Teams struggle to connect with a leader who is emotionally distant
🔄 High turnover: Burnout and stress lead to increased employee turnover and reduced retention
To remove the metaphorical scaffolding and embrace authentic leadership, consider these 3 practical tips:
💡 Embrace vulnerability: Share your challenges and uncertainties with your team. This fosters an environment of trust and openness.
💡 Encourage collaboration: Empower your team by delegating responsibilities and encouraging collaborative problem-solving. Trust their capabilities.
💡 Accept imperfection: Understand that mistakes are a part of growth. Lead by example in accepting and learning from errors.
❓ How do you dismantle your own ‘scaffolding’ to lead more authentically?
V