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5 Unexpected Ways a Boss Can Make People Better
1. They use targeted discomfort.
I knew I’d look like an idiot but I’d become fine with that by then.
I’d simply made the wrong decision and the best thing to do about it was to own up to it completely.
“Guys, I messed up. My bad.” I said to my team.
“That’s OK, we can fix it!” one of them replied.
“Ahhh, it happens,” said another.
Soon, they were all chipping in together to find ways to fix the problem I created. Only when mistakes are acknowledged can they be fixed and only when a leader is humbly human can they be embraced.
Admit your errors openly and honestly then strive to correct them. This simple process makes you human. But this can be hard as we want to project excellence and set the example of excellence at all times. Or worse, we want to appear perfect.
Setting the example of excellence is critical, but it must be accompanied by setting the example of vulnerability, humility, grace, and resolve after failure.
As someone who has studied and practices leadership in military, corporate, and volunteer settings for over two decades, I’ve seen some unexpected ways leaders bring out the best in people.
