The corporate leadership challenge

What I am about to say, may feel uncomfortable. But I start here for the following reason. The real trouble invariably starts with employees, says Mary Mawritz, a business management researcher at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business in Philadelphia.

Studies found that bosses can become abusive when they feel that employees have turned against them. Other triggers are hostile behavior, rudeness, disrespect, especially when high performers are disrespectful. Management often asks for candid feedback from employees, but it turns out to be to the detriment of such an employee most of the time according to Sutton in his bestselling book, The Asshole Survival Guide. ‘Kissing up’ still proofs to be the best way if an employee wants to get ahead.

Is this true for you? If so, are you willing to grow and become a better leader, no matter how hard it is to hear the truth?

The most important but the most difficult question to answer.

Sometimes we need to ask ourselves honestly, “How does my behavior possibly contribute towards other’s behavior in the workplace?” This is probably the most important but the most difficult question to answer.

Ask for honest and candid feedback from someone you trust and be willing to look in the mirror. Sutton refers to dozens of studies performed by David Dunning and Justin Kruger who have shown that poor performers tend to be dilutional about their own skills. They tend to overestimate their talents and that includes their management-, emotional-, and interpersonal skills.

The Nobel Prize winner, Daniel Kahneman believes that overconfidence is the most destructive of human biases. If you consider yourself a civilized person but you tend to constantly feel you are dealing with idiots everywhere that you go, chances are that you need to have a serious look in the mirror.

Leadership and talent development advisor, Steve Nguyen probably best explains my reason for asking this question in his tweet:

“To be the best leader, you need to be the best human. As a leader, your humanity is on display for all to see, at work and outside of work. Be a better human, and you’ll be a better leader – it’s that simple (and that hard).”

It is very difficult for us to see how our own role plays out in the workplace. But if this important thought helps you take a long, hard look in the mirror, chances are the problem lies with you.

Admitting your own mistakes builds trust

Being authentic is certainly one of the most powerful characteristics you can bring to the workplace. Admit that you have flaws and don’t be afraid to reveal your own slip-ups. We often try to hide our flaws. What we often forget is that our flaws are visible to everyone and trying to hide them will if anything rather shed the light on you for everyone to see.

Admit your own imperfections and have some fun with it. When employees can see your own vulnerability, you will undoubtedly win their trust and affection. In fact, employees will rather be inspired by your honesty, admit their own weaknesses and become more willing to grow and perform.

If you have trouble learning how to make jokes at your own expense, you can learn from the best examples – get a business motivational speaker. Top business motivational speakers are masters at this skill. Audience members love corporate speakers who do not hesitate to use themselves as an example past mistakes they have made. This makes audience members feel human, accepted, and at ease. And this is one powerful way to build trust and bring in humor in your workplace.