We used to think that people were strong when they showed no emotions or “weaknesses”—as if people were flawless and never made mistakes. Now, we are in a different era, the Human Era, where we have nearly done a complete 180 from that old way of thinking.
In this Human Era, strong leaders are characterized as empathetic, understanding, and accountable.
Emotions allow people to try and understand how other people are feeling, and in order to create a collaborative team, it’s beneficial to build a foundation. Knowing more about coworkers is a strength instead of a weakness because it builds relationships and provides the opportunity to take a step back and look at a situation from their perspective. Considering what is affecting your colleagues’ work can help you choose what words to use when addressing them, consider what type of communication is most effective, and utilize your empathy to make the situation as productive and positive as you can.
Showing emotions also demands respect from others. It’s no easy task to demonstrate that you, too, have made a mistake or endured difficult times. By using those experiences to show people your whole self and provide points where others can relate to you (empathy), you reveal that you have been intentional about your decision to open up and share your story.
When you share yourself with someone, you become vulnerable, and being vulnerable is one of the scariest things you can feel. “Would that person use this against me in the future?” you might ask. “Do they think of me differently now that they know this about me?” Revealing your emotions is a strength because when you do, it shows that it doesn’t affect you whether people think differently of you. Those people can’t use any of your sentiments against you, either, because through the sole action of sharing your stories and showing your emotions, you command your life and you master your self-dialogue.
Being conscious of your emotions is a skill, and self-awareness is definitely an important one. By knowing yourself, you don’t allow anyone else to use anything against you because you become so comfortable with yourself that anything anyone hits you with, you embrace and turn it into a positive or learning experience that you gained something from.
People are usually more drawn to people who are more like them, and if leaders only show their successes, they will not be as relatable or realistic as those who reveal their whole selves. We are immersed in a digital world where we constantly see images of the “perfect” or “ideal” person (who we naturally compare ourselves to even though we shouldn’t). We know that perfect people don’t exist in advertisements, so why don’t we translate that into the work world too? No flawless leader exists, and people should be more suspicious of perfection than anything (because it doesn’t exist).
We should praise people for being the best versions of themselves; for wanting to learn and improve and develop; for wanting the best for themselves and the people that surround them.
Feedback is very important to me, and I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts and insight. How do you feel about the people who are comfortable sharing their experiences, successes and shortcomings alike? Do you think people can benefit from being transparent with their emotions?
Please connect with me on my social accounts @HilaryCorna, contact me on my website, and follow me on LinkedIn (even if we’re already connected). Thank you!
