The Seismic Shift in Leadership

In the past, leaders could work their will through power and control. That’s obsolete.

Leaders whose followers suspect them of being inauthentic can lose their jobs in short order. Authenticity, trust and emotional connection became even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when leaders had to establish emotional connections with dispersed teams working from home. This was not leadership as usual. Connection has superseded power.

The first and most important connection to make is with yourself. This requires accepting yourself completely without embarrassment or shame. Shame disconnects you from yourself, and those who disconnect from themselves also disconnect from others. People need connection and can experience something akin to physical pain without it. Hard-driving, perfectionist, type A leaders tend to be extremely demanding of their employees to little positive effect.

Your life, even the unpleasant parts, holds many lessons.

Own your story.Honestly and compassionately review the events that shaped you. Sometimes sharing your difficulties and vulnerabilities can project authenticity and help others connect...