Coming Up in October 👀: Developing Resilience
Plus, finding the right balance between vulnerability and authority
Coming Up Next Month: Building Lasting Resilience
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from big challenges. It’s just as much about dealing with the everyday grind – slow progress, setbacks, and unwelcome situations. How can you, as a leader, cultivate a personal resilience that keeps you motivated through routine stressors? And – equally important – how can you help team members of all personality types develop the grit to keep going? We’re answering those questions and more next month.
Stay tuned for a new Developing Resilience Challenge coming in October!
And a huge thanks goes to Laura for the topic suggestion!
Earning Respect Challenge Check-In
Did you make it through the complete five-day Earning Respect Challenge? We covered a lot:
We’ve noticed that one of the biggest challenges leaders face when building respect with their teams is finding the right balance between vulnerability and authority. It’s something that many leaders struggle with – maybe you’re even dealing with it yourself.
The tricky part? Show too much vulnerability, and your credibility could take a hit. Show too little, and you risk seeming unapproachable or disconnected. So what’s the solution?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and it often comes down to trial and error – figuring out what feels right for you and your team, especially if you’re new to leadership. But here are three strategies that might help you navigate this delicate balance and earn your team’s respect along the way.
1. Frame Challenges as Opportunities
When sharing challenges with your team, try framing them as opportunities for growth rather than signs of uncertainty. Instead of saying “I’m not sure what to do,” try “Here’s what I’m learning as I navigate this challenge.” This approach allows you to show vulnerability while also demonstrating your commitment to improving and finding solutions. By doing this, you maintain your authority, encourage a learning mindset within your team, and build mutual respect without undermining your leadership.
2. Admit Mistakes without Losing Credibility
No one expects you to be perfect, and admitting mistakes can actually increase respect from your team. However, you need to be careful not to overdo it. If you frequently admit to missteps without offering a clear path forward, your credibility can suffer. When you admit a mistake, always follow up with an action plan or a solution to demonstrate your commitment to improvement. This approach allows you to remain humble while still showing that you’re in control and capable of leading the team through setbacks.
3. Inspire through Empathy without Sacrificing Decisiveness
Your team likely values leaders who understand and empathize with how decisions impact them personally (especially if you lead Diplomats!). Expressing empathy can help you gain their trust and loyalty. However, it’s important not to let that empathy make you hesitant or indecisive when enforcing tough choices. You can acknowledge how difficult decisions will affect your team while also making it clear why those decisions are necessary. By striking this balance, you maintain both empathy and authority – earning respect without sacrificing your leadership role.
Finding the right mix of vulnerability and authority takes practice, so don’t worry if it feels challenging at first. Every interaction is a chance to learn what works for you and your team. Leadership isn’t about perfection – it’s about showing up authentically and growing along the way.
If you’re feeling a bit lost, remember that you’re not alone – join this month’s discussion thread to connect with fellow leaders who are navigating the same challenges. 👇
Your Next Steps
Throughout the rest of this month, we’ll keep exploring how you can earn the respect of the remaining personality types we’ve yet to cover. Watch for those articles to land in your inbox.
Whether you’re focused on earning respect from your team or building up your own self-respect, we hope that this article (and the whole earning respect series) has given you the tools to create stronger connections. We’re here cheering you on as you continue your leadership journey!
Want to Submit a Leadership Topic?
Have a specific leadership topic in mind that you’d love to see us cover? We’ve opened up commenting, so that anyone can share their idea(s) in the comments. We can’t promise to pick yours, but we do promise to review and consider every single idea.
Topic suggestion: recognition and rewards