Why Being a Leader Means Being Human

You’re only human, and so is your CEO, even though they may not seem like it at times. Assuming a leadership role often requires turning oneself into a caricature of a boss—someone who is stern, disciplined, in control and or even aloof. Leaders are constantly being pulled in many directions simultaneously, which means their time is limited. This fact makes it difficult for leaders to devote their attention to any one particular person or issue.

Effective leaders, however, know how to get the most out of their minutes. They understand that there is more to managing people than simply managing; there is an important human factor when it comes to motivating and inspiring people. The first step is for leaders to make themselves human and to show others that they too are well-rounded and subject to the same spectrum of emotions that life elicits, just like everyone else.

This article explains, “For Francine Della Badia, SVP Retail of North America for Coach, balance is about living your whole life and staying out of the “warped fishbowl” of overwork, and the isolation that can sometimes come with managing and leading many people…Ask yourself questions like – Am I stretching myself in different directions, taking risks and enjoying myself? Am I having fun? This is less about the standard work/life balance argument, and more about ensuring that you keep yourself relatable, human and authentic.”

Nobody likes a phony and nothing undermines a leader faster than having others perceive them as being disingenuous or fake. Successful leaders are natural leaders, which means they enjoy what they do and that enjoyment is obvious and contagious. There is no substitute for passion as passion inspires, motivates and compels others to follow. Do the leaders in your office inspire you? Why, or why not?

Photo courtesy of michaelcardus.