As 2023 approaches, we are moving beyond the pandemic. Many have settled into adaptations produced by Covid. We’d like to believe that we are okay. Yet, in a recent podcast produced by psychologist Brené Brown with organizational change experts Adam Grant and Simon Sinek, as much as we would like to believe that we are moving forward emotionally, we are not. The last few years have pressed upon leaders many unique demands to cope with insecurity and uncertainty among employees.
How we navigate this season of change is largely dependent upon our leadership. It will require new approaches, skills, and empathy. There has never been a greater time for those in leadership roles to reflect on their approach and identify opportunities to strengthen how they lead.
As we approach the new year, how do we adapt our leadership to meet the challenges we are currently facing? Contemporary insights culled from the latest research provide great clarity on the path forward for leaders. Studies on leadership move us away from external skill development and toward intrinsic
understanding. Brené Brown summarizes our emphasis: “Self-awareness and self-love matter. Who we are is how we lead.” Do we understand our own leadership motives? How do we respond to difficult situations? Do we understand the motivation behind our employees’ performance and behavior?
Current research emphasizes emotional intelligence as one of the most essential elements to success in the workplace. This is a hard sell to leaders who fail to understand emotional intelligence and its importance in organizations. Long-held myths about emotion keep leader from exploring this area for growth. Emotions drive our performance and decisions, as well as our clients’ decisions. Emotional
intelligence is a skill we develop and it’s foundational to effective leadership and transforming how we lead.
Brené Brown expands on some of the challenges we face as leaders when we’re operating outside of self-awareness. We avoid tough conversations; we fail to provide meaningful feedback; we use shame and blame to manage ourselves and others; we fail to hold people accountable. Her research provides a path to becoming a courageous leader by understanding what drives our behavior, and moving toward change by growing our emotional literacy, embracing vulnerability, embracing our values, learning how to trust ourselves and others, and learning how to grow through our failures.
A companion insight is advanced by organizational psychologist Adam Grant. He finds that more than intelligence and cognitive skills, leaders need “the ability to rethink and unlearn.” He demonstrates the critical role of mental flexibility in leading and working. He invites us to “let go of knowledge and opinions that are no longer serving you well, and to anchor your sense of self in flexibility rather than consistency.”
Forest City Consulting provides leaders a path to strengthen their leadership and growing their organization. We are pleased to offer training and consulting built on empirical research and industry experience. Current training opportunities include Brené Brown Dare to LeadTM curriculum as well as workshops on Emotional Intelligence, Values, Psychological Safety in the Workplace, and Trust. Our consultants provide a customized approach to working with you to engage and develop your leadership, teams, and employees.
Take advantage of additional opportunities to refine your leadership approach. For greater insight on the concept of emotional intelligence, consider reading Dare to Lead (Brené Brown), Emotional Agility (Susan David), or Permission to Feel (Marc Brackett). Other great leadership concepts can be found by reading Immunity to Change (Lisa Lahey), Think Again (Adam Grant), and Atomic Habits (James Clear).
Another great offering to help you explore new leadership concepts is through the podcasts of Brené Brown (Dare to Lead and Unlocking Us), Adam Grant (adamgrant.net/podcasts/work-life/), and Simon Sinek (simonsinek.com/podcast). Check out the online opportunities offered by Susan David (www.susandavid.com/courses), Ryan Holiday (https://ryanholiday.net/blog/), or Simon Sinek (simonsinek.com/classes/).
As we begin a new year, we encourage you to find new ways to grow your leadership. Take the time to understand yourself and how you lead. Embrace opportunities to become a better version of yourself. Handle hard better. Extend grace and welcome opportunities for growth and development. Here’s to 2023 as a year of personal and professional growth.