leader as flawed being

As a coach, I’m introduced to far too many leaders who are unwilling to face and fix workplace problems because they view outstanding issues as a reflection of their own personal failure. A critical part of becoming a better leader is learning that disgust toward yourself or others in the face of failure is a non-starter. Getting people past that disgust is always part of my job as a coach, and your job as a leader.

Failure is inevitable, and more importantly, failure is both good and necessary. A great leader understands that failure is a key step when solving problems. Some people I work with are able to extend this grace to struggling employees easily, but find it difficult to apply to themselves. Central to this shift is for leaders to embrace themselves as imperfect, no different than anyone else at home or at work. There’s not a single company in the world that’s doing everything right all the time, just like how there isn’t one family, community or nation doing so. Striving for perfection is not only ludicrous, it’s a hindrance to genuine growth.

By using the Growth Cycle, we begin to internalize: “It’s not about me. I can reframe my own expectations of others or of success and not take it personally.” Once that happens, it allows the entire organization to shift its focus to applauding successes rather than condemning failures. The atmosphere becomes more equal, more forgiving, and more inspiring. “Failure” is just another part of the process.

-ben