Having to be the “knower” or always being right is heavy armour. I should know ~ I wore that heavy suit for years, until I realized it wasn’t getting me the respect and collaboration I was hoping for. In fact, quite the contrary!
The armour of “knower” is defensiveness that leads to distrust, bad decisions, unnecessary rumbles, and unproductive conflict.
So what are the qualities that drive a “learner”?
| Learners have a curiosity mindset. They ask and acknowledge great questions. Instead of “being right” they want to “get it right”. Learners don’t get entangled in the small, ego-driven vision of the micro. No, learners have their eyes pinned on the service-driven vision of the macro. Where do you fall on the continuum from “knower” to “learner”? It’s easy to buy into the belief that being a knower is the only value we bring to relationships and work. So what’s driving this belief and what’s needed to put down this heavy armour? Are you part of a culture that values people as knowers? Where people don’t speak up because they’re not “senior enough” or it’s “not their place”? What’s possible in a culture where people are less defended and more vulnerable? As a leader, what if each day you could show up with a strong back, soft front, and a wild, wild heart? Here’s what I know for sure ~ Daring Leaders embrace curiosity! As daring leaders, we have to stay curious about our blind spots, and we need to commit to helping the people we serve find their blind spots in a way that’s safe and supportive. Daring Leadership is ultimately about figuring out what it means to integrate a strong back and soft front. Daring Leadership is ultimately about embracing vulnerability and our authentic, wild heart! It would be my great honour to help you master the blueprint of Daring Leadership! You will learn more in our Dare to Lead course – Brave Work. Tough Conversatoins. Whole Hearts. |
As a leader, do you have a strong back and a soft front? Or, do you have a defended front shielding a weak spine? What’s the difference? Brené sees a strong back as grounded confidence and boundaries. The soft front is staying vulnerable and curious. The mark of a wild heart is being both fierce and kind. Inviting all LEADERS to an opportunity for brave work, courageous conversations, and whole hearts! Lead On. Lead Brave. Lead Wholeheartedly! Anita Anand |
