Connecting with the team is so important. Being vulnerable is the most effective way to make others openings to ourselves and builds the trust they need
You are spot on, Wendy. Most companies don't have a formal coaching program for first time managers. Every single manager I worked with or spoke to - learnt it the hard way. Business school graduates are no exception either. People management has to be taught. Very few people get it naturally.
It’s a fine line between what you share with your team, but I do think it’s important to show some level of vulnerability. Asking them genuinely what they need and then providing it when it’s within a leader’s power to do so goes a long way in building trust and creating loyalty.
Absolutely, Bette! People want to believe that leaders are human too. And when we as leaders show them glimpses of our weaknesses or flaws, they connect quickly and powerfully.
This is a powerful realization that you had as a new manager. I was also thrown into leadership, and it was so hard to wrap my arms and head around everything and everyone I had reporting to me. What a gift they showed up and shared their truth and what was on their heart. Most people would not feel comfortable doing this (either privately or in a team setting), so this speaks to the fact that they saw something in you and wanted success for the team. It can be very difficult to process this type of feedback but also so liberating to KNOW exactly what you need to lean more into or let go of.
Thank you Susan. Yes, I was given a second chance. I had a supportive leader who wanted me to learn and grow. You are spot on about the feedback. I felt like a piece of refuse. All of the work I did until that point seemed worthless. Once I accepted it as a learning curve things started to change. This experience will forever be the defining moment of my leadership career.
I love your writing style.
Connecting with the team is so important. Being vulnerable is the most effective way to make others openings to ourselves and builds the trust they need
Glad my writing resonated with you, Patricia! Yes, we are all human beings. The best way to connect to another human being is to show we are human.
Wonderful insight into the problems of leadership.
Glad you liked it, Nikki! Thank you for stopping by.
Sadly, it's common for new leaders to be thrown in to the role with no training or coaching around how to be a leader.
Sounds like you learned to communicate with authenticity quickly, thanks to asking your team that question.
You are spot on, Wendy. Most companies don't have a formal coaching program for first time managers. Every single manager I worked with or spoke to - learnt it the hard way. Business school graduates are no exception either. People management has to be taught. Very few people get it naturally.
It’s a fine line between what you share with your team, but I do think it’s important to show some level of vulnerability. Asking them genuinely what they need and then providing it when it’s within a leader’s power to do so goes a long way in building trust and creating loyalty.
Absolutely, Bette! People want to believe that leaders are human too. And when we as leaders show them glimpses of our weaknesses or flaws, they connect quickly and powerfully.
This is a powerful realization that you had as a new manager. I was also thrown into leadership, and it was so hard to wrap my arms and head around everything and everyone I had reporting to me. What a gift they showed up and shared their truth and what was on their heart. Most people would not feel comfortable doing this (either privately or in a team setting), so this speaks to the fact that they saw something in you and wanted success for the team. It can be very difficult to process this type of feedback but also so liberating to KNOW exactly what you need to lean more into or let go of.
Thank you Susan. Yes, I was given a second chance. I had a supportive leader who wanted me to learn and grow. You are spot on about the feedback. I felt like a piece of refuse. All of the work I did until that point seemed worthless. Once I accepted it as a learning curve things started to change. This experience will forever be the defining moment of my leadership career.