Great leaders are not infallible, although some of them may behave that way. Such leaders are often excellent at leading with their head, but may find it impossible to lead with their heart. The best leaders are empathetic and show that they care about their employees. Employees, in turn, strive to achieve the goals that empathetic leaders set. Leaders who lack empathy simply can’t get the job done and their failures eventually become obvious.
Thought traps
In their book “The Unlocked Leader: Dare to Free Your Own Voice, Lead with Empathy, and Shine Your Light into the World”, Hortense Le Gentil and Carolyn Lambert advise that in order to understand others and connect with them, one must first understand and connect with oneself. This means that one must be able to determine which of their beliefs and attitudes are interfering with personal and professional development and consider whether their current attitude has become a negative “thought trap.”
One issue that leaders often face is that they may come to see others as obstacles rather than as potential collaborators or colleagues. This can occur even if the leader is technically skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced. However, without the ability to communicate effectively, these qualities will not result in long-term success.
What hinders leaders from achieving their goals?
Negative thoughts and voices from the past, often influenced by authority figures such as parents, teachers, or coaches, can live in unconscious mental processes. Collective messages related to spiritual, community, and social norms can also influence an individual’s actions. It is essential for leaders to identify and discard those messages that are no longer relevant or that carry a negative attitude. This is a necessary step towards better leadership.
Changes in thinking
To become a more authentic leader who demonstrates positivity, it is crucial to overcome negative thought traps. One can do this by making changes in thinking to achieve a more positive attitude. The first step in this process is recognizing the malleability of the mind and the potential for positive change. The subsequent step involves making a deliberate choice to release thought traps and their associated behaviors and negative inner voices. Learning from the empathy demonstrated by others and asking purposeful questions that lead to solutions is also essential.
