Authentic Leadership: A Journey Towards Collaborative Success, Inspired by Neurodiversity

I've been reflecting on my journey as a female leader and the importance of creating a truly supportive and collaborative environment for everyone. This reflection was sparked by recent feedback and a LinkedIn article by Shikha Arora titled, "Breaking the Barrier: Overcoming Disrespect Toward Female Leaders." While the article focuses on the challenges women face from male colleagues, my own journey has brought a different perspective, deeply influenced by my experiences with neurodiversity.

My son is autistic, and witnessing his unique ways of communicating and interacting with the world has profoundly impacted both my personal and professional life. He often struggles to articulate his needs, and this has driven me to become a more attuned and empathetic communicator. Learning to understand him and to truly listen beyond just his words has not only made me a better parent but also a more effective leader –> something I openly discussed recently with Jake Bernardes on, Risking it All in Cybersecurity.

Throughout my career, I've encountered situations where communication breakdowns created unnecessary challenges. Often, these stemmed from a lack of clarity or misinterpretations due to diverse communication styles. These challenges weren't limited to any particular gender dynamic; however, I've observed that differing communication preferences – influenced by factors like personality, culture, and neurodiversity – can sometimes hinder collaboration. These patterns can include behaviors like avoiding direct confrontation, expressing concerns indirectly, or having difficulty processing and responding to feedback. Such obstacles can escalate, impacting team dynamics and overall productivity.

These experiences, coupled with my time in the military where direct communication was essential, instilled in me a deep appreciation for clarity and directness. While this is my preferred approach, I've come to understand that communication is nuanced, and what works best can vary greatly depending on the individual, cultural context, and specific situation.

These lessons from my son have translated directly to my leadership style, reminding me of the importance of patience, flexibility, and meeting team members where they are.

This journey has also led me to question why these communication obstacles arise in the first place. Could they be rooted in systemic issues, workplace dynamics, differing communication preferences, or even neurodiversity? It's a complex question with no easy answers, but it highlights the importance of fostering a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and active support.

Fostering a Culture of Open Communication

• Building trust: I cultivate trust by being vulnerable and leading by example. I openly share my experiences, both successes and failures, to create a space where others feel safe to do the same. This fosters camaraderie and mutual respect, essential for any team's success.
• Encouraging constructive feedback: I hold regular feedback sessions focused on growth and improvement. I emphasize delivering feedback respectfully, focusing on specific behaviors, and offering suggestions for improvement. This allows for honest communication and fosters continuous learning. I also strive to be mindful of how different individuals might process and react to feedback, adjusting my approach accordingly.
• Facilitating open dialogue: I ensure team meetings are a safe space for brainstorming and debate. I encourage everyone to share their ideas and actively listen to understand different perspectives. This fosters a sense of shared ownership and leads to better decisions and outcomes.
• Recognizing and addressing conflict early on: I address disagreements promptly and effectively to prevent them from becoming destructive. My process focuses on finding solutions that work for everyone, often involving one-on-one conversations to understand the root of the issue and find common ground. This approach helps to maintain strong relationships and ensures that everyone feels heard and respected.

Ultimately, I believe the key to overcoming any kind of misunderstanding lies in fostering self-awareness, practicing empathy, and actively cultivating mutual respect and support. This requires a conscious effort from everyone to actively listen, offer constructive feedback, and support each other's growth.

While we cannot control how others react, respond, or communicate, being mindful of these nuances can help us become more understanding and effective leaders.

The future of work is diverse, interconnected, and dynamic. To thrive in this environment, we need to be champions of inclusive communication. Let's move beyond acceptance and take action, building a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. This is the essence of authentic leadership – a journey towards collaborative success, inspired by the understanding that our differences make us stronger.

Disclaimer: The experiences and perspectives shared in this article are based on my personal experiences and observations and do not represent the experiences of all individuals or all workplaces. It is intended to spark constructive conversation and encourage positive change.