The Best Leaders Do This One Thing, Even When It’s Hard

These days, it’s easy to be negative. Between COVID-19, racial unrest, and the litany of bad news flooding our feeds, many are jumping on the Debbie Downer bandwagon.

On the flip side, I’ve heard the term “toxic positivity” bandied about, which refers to the concept that keeping positive, and keeping positive only, is the right way to live your life. It means only focusing on positive things and rejecting anything that may trigger negative emotions.

This leaves us with either complaining or denying; I’d like to suggest there’s a better way.

The best leaders understand that hiding behind either extreme doesn’t serve anyone. Instead, they do what few do, even when it’s hard: they show up—for their teams, customers, and peers—in a genuine and observable way. Here are four ways how:

1. Be visible and vocal in sharing your wisdom

Wisdom is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. But it transforms into something truly powerful when it is shared; all the wisdom in the world is meaningless without application.

Yet many leaders eschew this and choose instead to hoard their insights, fearful of giving them away. They don’t understand a simple truth: sharing your wisdom doesn’t diminish your impact; it amplifies it.

As a leader, you’re in a unique position of influence; you have many audiences watching and listening to your words and actions. While many have elected to stay quiet, you have an opportunity to visibly and vocally share your core beliefs, ideas, and insights through your social media posts, your company’s values statement, in workplace communications, and how you tell your own story. Doing so draws others to you and helps them understand what you stand for and what matters most.

2. Be (imperfectly) human

Yes, you’re a business leader, but that doesn’t mean you’re infallible or have everything figured out. In a society where confidence rules, it can be tough to let the world know you need assistance and don’t have all the answers—especially if the thought of asking for help terrifies you. Even more so if you feel like you’re “less than” for doing so.

Though it might seem counterintuitive, asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. When a leader models vulnerability, it signals to her team, colleagues, and clients that it’s okay for others to do the same, creating a culture and environment of openness and collaboration. Plus, it provides team members an opportunity to use their energy and knowhow to craft solutions to a problem—and demonstrates that their leader is human, just like them.

3. Practice empathy, compassion, and patience

We’re living and working in unprecedented times, and into our fifth month of dealing with a global pandemic. Understandably, tensions and uncertainty are high, and productivity and tolerance are down.

As a leader, the best approach is to acknowledge the ‘ick’ factor through empathy, compassion, and patience. People are likely struggling, so make it a habit to check in with your clients and colleagues. Ask questions to understand what they’re working on or dealing with and let them know that you’re here for them in this trying environment.

And when they find the courage to confide in you? Acknowledge their bravery. Give them your undivided attention. Listen to their concerns, trying not to formulate a response, but instead, to understand. And take action to see what you or someone you know can do to assist them.

When people feel seen and heard, they feel more connected, which enhances communication and builds trust.

4. Lead with kindness and respect, despite the doom and gloom

Now more than ever, the world seems increasingly divisive. Far too many allow their frustrations to fuel mean-spirited behaviors that only exacerbate a hostile environment. We desperately need positive role models who know how to lead with kindness and respect. Those who are aware that our differences and challenges make us stronger, not weaker, focus on celebrating our commonalities and finding the good in situations.

When you choose to lead with kindness and respect, you unite and inspire people and help shift them towards—and keep them focused on—the positive. And when you consistently stand out for the positive, you create a ripple effect that encourages others to do so as well.

This article was first published on Forbes.com. Find it here, and Amy's other Forbes articles here.

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?Amy Blaschka is a social media ghostwriter who helps leaders craft their stories to communicate and connect better.    Contact her if you'd like her help.?

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