Leadership

First published almost three years ago, Brene Brown’s bestseller is not your typical business book. Dare to Lead presents an alternative view on what leaders can be today. It sums up what many people at the top do to succeed. Here are some of the things you’ll learn from the book: It’s okay to be human. People see leaders as aloof beings who are only concerned with the bottom line. Organizational heads tend to perpetuate this truth when they consciously distance themselves from their subordinates. Increasing engagement doesn’t mean losing one’s authority or building familiarity. When leaders tear down walls that separate them, employees are more likely to identify with them. Lead with courage. Leaders make mistakes, but the best ones admit and take responsibility for them.  It also takes courage to follow a new course when the business environment demands it. Courage is also required when leaders let their guard down. It’s never a show of weakness to show emotion or practice empathy.  Employees look up to their superiors during difficult times. When they are unsure of the outcome, leaders exhibit bravery and face challenges head-on. Lead by your values. Authentic leaders exhibit their beliefs through their words and actions. They remain steadfast when making difficult decisions, regardless of the consequences.  They can lose their popularity but not their integrity. Employees may sometimes disagree with their leaders. But they’ll continue to respect them. Listen more. How can people trust leaders who do not communicate with them? Memos, e-mails, newsletters, and announcements have their place in organizations. These are one way, however. People at the top should go out of their way to spend time listening to their employees.  Communication is two-way in successful organizations. Leaders engage in dialogues more than monologues. They want to hear others’ opinions because they may learn from them. Be vulnerable. Perhaps this is the core theme of Ms. Brown’s book. People should express more emotions to show their true selves. Leading by example, leaders encourage their employees to be more honest in the workplace. Being vulnerable doesn’t mean taking advantage of other people. It means not being afraid of judgment or criticism. When there’s a culture of authenticity, employees become more comfortable with being themselves at work.  There’s an openness that makes communication less difficult and ideas more free-flowing. One of the hurdles organizations face is the lack of human connections. People are unable to communicate openly and include others in conversations. Maybe leaders can try a different approach by encouraging a bit of vulnerability in the workplace. They might accomplish more than they expected by doing so.

You have heard of brave leaders. But have you heard of the BRAVE model of leadership? There are many variations of this style. However, these share common traits. First, what is BRAVE leadership? You might be thinking of the literal meaning of the word. Of course, leaders should show courage, especially when facing uncertainties now.  However, I’m sure you’re aware being fearless isn’t enough. So, here’s what BRAVE stands for. Behaviors It begins with your character. Your words and actions reveal the kind of leader you are. Do you inspire and motivate? Because these are the effects of a BRAVE leader. Those who instill fear when leading may get the job done. But, their employees will resent them eventually.A leader’s behavior impacts followers. When faced with challenges, people look up to their leaders for strength and guidance. Be the example of what you expect from those who follow you. You set the pace in how you want your organization to move forward. Relationships Successful leaders create ties with their subordinates. But, they don’t need to be a friend to everyone. What is required is to have trusting relationships. Trust is the key to having strong connections with people.As a leader, build rapport that encourages open communication. Your followers may not see you every day. But, if you communicate with them often, directly or indirectly, you strengthen your relationship with them. Attitude According to this, attitudes are beliefs and emotions towards people, things, or events. These are usually the result of upbringing and experience. Attitudes affect behavior.   But, keep in mind, attitudes can also change.First, do you have the right attitude when you face the future?  People seek authenticity from their leaders. Your behavior will expose your attitude. If you show the right ones, people will follow you wholeheartedly. Values Do you epitomize what your organization represents? What matters to your followers? BRAVE leaders personify the mission and vision of their organizations. These are what makes them rise above the rest.As a leader, you can also redefine values that will drive your organization in new directions. It’s common now in the face of uncertainties that companies have reinvented themselves. This might also be the key to your success. Environment BRAVE leaders are aware of their skills and abilities. Likewise, they grasp where they can be more effective. They understand their environment and act accordingly.As a leader, you need to be aware if you’re fit for the job. This is not understating your abilities. You may have been successful in one field or industry. But, this doesn’t mean you’ll achieve the same success in others.