Humans and Hearts
I just finished The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown and was struck by the chapter on letting go of comparison. Brene uses the phrase “accomplishments-and-acquisitions” to describe the trap we can fall into when we allow fitting in and being better than to rob us of our creativity and therefore our joy.
Naturally passionate about leadership, specifically educational leadership, and the challenge to articulate the traits of inspiring leaders I have been influenced by to support others, I was struck by some connections. Specifically a connection to this quote I once overheard a leader say, “I have certain things I need us to accomplish in my tenure, on my watch as the boss.” My impression was that the expectation from this leader was that others were serving his/her purpose and would be used to ‘“accomplish and acquire” to make this leader look good and leave their mark. The goals, health, and well-being of these people were to be considered second to the accomplishments of the leader.
You don’t have to look far to see headlines regarding the loss of teachers in public education and the struggles with teacher retention. I am convinced a certain type of leader can stop this trend. Vulnerable leaders can. An element of vulnerable leadership is the “people first” mentality. This is where my connection to Brene’s words comes into play. Vulnerable leaders prioritize humans and hearts over accomplishments and acquisitions. We believe deeply in the power and impact of those who we serve and employ. We take seriously our charge to lift them, love them, and launch them on paths that will change the trajectory of their lives as well as the path of our organizations.
Vulnerable leaders are not interested in filling their resumes with “their achievements and acquisitions” and more interested in inspiring the hearts and minds of those they serve to their fullest. They find peace in knowing when those they serve are at their fullest, the health and direction of the organization is at its best and most optimal.
Here are some signs of a vulnerable leader who values hearts and humans over accomplishments and acquisitions:
They recognize their potential persuasive power of their own voice and presence in meetings, therefore they avoid the head of the table, build collaborative agendas, and listen intently.
They celebrate others by name and core values, rarely by accomplishment alone.
They establish and model clear boundaries for their professional and personal lives.
They are masters at creating conditions for crucial conversations. They are honest, calm, and fair.
They trust, therefore they get out of the way.
Here’s my next wondering…are resumes in their current form relevant any longer for leaders focused on hiring core values? Hmmm…..