The Art of Leadership: Embracing Imperfection

Leadership is often assumed to be linear, planned and controlled. However, the reality can be quite the opposite. It’s a role filled with wins and successes but also unexpected challenges and setbacks. Despite your best intentions and efforts, you might falter and stumble. You’ll then have to dust yourself down, and try a different – maybe unexpected path – to eventually reach your goal. It’s this very unpredictability that makes leadership so rewarding and human.

The journey of a leader is not a smooth one. It’s fraught with plans that go awry and strategies that backfire. But it’s in these moments of chaos and vulnerability that true leaders shine. They understand that to err is human and that failure is not the prevention of success but a stepping stone towards it.

Leaders who aren’t afraid to try and fail, who can accept that they will stumble, but stand up to try again, should be celebrated. These are the individuals who, in the grand circus of life - and work - perform the most daring acts without a safety net. They are the ones who turn every mishap into a learning opportunity, every fall into a chance to rise higher – and take their teams with them.

So, here’s to the leaders who lead with courage, who constantly try to improve their skills set, who want the best for their teams, who are not deterred by the fear of falling but are motivated by the potential to soar. They remind us that in the pursuit of collective goals, it’s not about avoiding the fall but having the resilience to get back up and try again.

Here is a little poem that will hopefully resonate and make you smile:

Leading isn't for the faint of heart,

It's like a slapstick comedy from the start.

Tripping over plans, falling on your face,

Leadership's a clumsy, awkward race.

But hey, it's all part of the game,

Embrace the chaos, laugh away the shame.

Fail spectacularly, then get up again,

That's how leaders thrive, that's how they reign.

So, let's raise a toast to the leaders who dare,

To stumble, bumble, and mess up with flair.

In this grand circus of life, they're the stars,

Turning mishaps into triumphs, reaching for Mars.

May we all find the strength to embrace our imperfections and the courage to reach for our own Mars.

Why not connect with our Head Coach, Jon Saunders, to see how Crack On Coaching can help you pivot your leadership strategies and develop coping mechanism for those moments when leadership isn’t plain sailing?

Avani Solutions – physical exercise and leadership

Jon Saunders, Head Coach at Crack On Coaching, is proud to be coaching the amazing team at Avani Solutions led by Michael Harper and Amanda Thomson.

Avani Solutions supply a professional beer line cleaning service, cellar management training, and a comprehensive range of beer line cleaning products and services.

Their collective company goal is to provide exceptional service. They also want their employees to take satisfaction in assisting others, relish the challenge of problem-solving, enjoy working in team – and find joy in their work.

When a client’s values line up with Crack On Coaching, it makes our hearts sing!

This picture certainly gives a flavour of the fun, professional, dedicated, vulnerable, warm and people-focused ethos at Avani Solutions.

Here we are creating a burst of energy and positivity, thanks to a refreshing park run! What a way to start the Crack On Coaching program with Avani?

At Crack On Coaching, we feel very strongly that there are huge benefits of being outdoors and committing to regular physical exercise. It’s crucial for effective leadership for several reasons:

Stress reduction: Regular physical activity helps leaders manage stress. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. This promotes a sense of calm.

Improved concentration and focus: Physical activity can help to clear the mind and enhance a leader’s ability to concentrate and focus on essential tasks. This leads to better decision-making and problem-solving.

Boosted creativity: Engaging in exercise has the potential to increase creativity and imagination. It’s an opportunity to let your mind wander. It allows leaders to think more innovatively and develop creative solutions to complex issues.

Enhanced self-awareness: Exercise provides a platform and space for introspection and reflection. This in turn helps leaders to identify and accept their physical and mental strengths and boundaries.

Increased resilience: Regular physical fitness builds resilience and strength, enabling leaders to bounce back from setbacks and challenges, persevere in adversity, and inspire their team members to do the same.

Role modelling: Leaders who place importance on their own health and fitness serve as role models for their team members, fostering a positive culture of well-being within the organisation.

Incorporating physical activity into daily routines can significantly enhance a leader’s performance, their own mental and physical health and the overall wellbeing of their team.

Roll on the next session with the amazing team at Avani! Why not get in touch with Crack On Coaching to see how we can tailor our Coaching Program to fit the specific requirements of your company and teams?

Helping to Shape More Future Leaders at Gaucho

“Being nervous isn't bad. It just means something important is happening”, Michael Jordan

This month, Head Coach, Jon Saunders, has kicked off the Crack On Coaching 12-month program with a brand new cohort of future leaders at GAUCHO, a steak restaurant chain.

“I love the nerves and excitement of meeting a new group of future leaders. Having worked closely with the in-house training team led by Sophie Canning, I know that this Coaching program will help to change leadership behaviour for the better. What a buzz!”, says Jon.

In the words of Sophie Canning: “Hospitality is a fast-moving industry. They need leaders and teams who are agile and effective. If you are not investing in your teams’ growth and development, then you are missing a trick!”

Book a friendly and informal exploratory chat with Jon Saunders, Head Coach at Crack On Coaching, to see how we can help you to get the best out of your teams and help them grow.

Over on the Crack On Podcast

Over on the Crack On Podcast, we interview influential people who have Cracked On through the ups and downs to progress. Our podcasts share insights, experiences and advice that will help you, in your own life ... to Crack On.

That is certainly the case for this latest podcast with Phil Davies, Director of World Rugby which is out now. Phil has coached and played rugby for over 40 years. In this podcast, he generously shares so many great stories and tips that any Leader or Coach who is developing teams needs to listen to!

Jon Saunders says: “I loved having Phil Davies on the podcast. It was a true honour and privilege to be in his company and chat. I cannot wait to share Phil’s incredible journey from a young boy in a small Welsh village to becoming a Welsh rugby player, coach and renowned global leadership expert with you.”

The Rugby Six Nations came to an abrupt end last Saturday, with Wales getting the Wooden spoon, what better opportunity than to get into the groove by engaging with the powerhouse of rugby and passionate Welshman that is Phil Davies, who has been there and bought the T shirt!

Look out for future inspiring stories on the monthly Crack on Podcast. Watch out for the next episode with Nick Collins…

Crack On and see you next month!