Great Leaders Create An Environment That Allow Their People To Be Themselves, You Should Too.

In my book, The Inspirational Leader, Inspire Your Team To Believe In The Impossible, I highlighted a story from Chelene Pedro about a CEO who was very nasty and disrespectful to one of his managers. The guy shouted so loudly, everyone down the corridor knew that he didn't like the size of the font. The manager walked out of the CEO’s office and returned with a handwritten resignation letter dated "effective immediately."

Pseudo Inspirational Leadership

Many leaders on the surface appear to be interested in their team success and sincerely dedicated to seeing those beneath them, not only achieve organizational objectives but also reach their fullest potential in all their endeavors. They appear, in many ways, to captivate and embody the characteristics of a true and inspirational leader, but their true qualities over time slowly emerge. 

There are many people in leadership positions who engage in destroying people in their organization consciously and unconsciously. They have created an environment so toxic, people are more preoccupied with finding a next job or protecting themselves from the forces within as oppose protecting the company from the forces externally. 

It’s the environment, never the people

A leader creates the environment that determines the culture at the company which in turn affects their productivity and level of engagement. So, if someone feel safe enough to raise their hands and say, “I made a mistake” or “I need some help” according to Simon Sinek that leader has created an environment where their people feel safe to be themselves. But, if someone is so focused on “covering themselves” and sending a CYA email after every conversation or meeting, then, that leader has created a culture so toxic it shouts NOT SAFE, every man/woman for themselves. 

Leadership is never about tearing people down

Life is already difficult and people need to take the time to stop and consider what they could do to make life a little better for someone who is down and out, especially leaders. Sometimes even a kind smile, a gentle word, or a small touch can make all of the difference to someone who could really use a lift or whose life may be turned upside down right now.

Leadership is never about tearing people down and making people feel less than themselves. Great leaders create an environment where their people can be themselves and to become the very best version of themselves. With this approach, the leader identifies a collective vision that excites their people and consistently reinforce the purpose of the company because great leaders know it’s never about them, it’s all about the people they serve. 

-----------------------------------------------------

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gifford is the author of The Inspirational Leader, Inspire Your Team To Believe In The Impossible, the founder of Leadership First, a member of Harvard Business Review Advisory Council and A leadership consultant with GLG.

Follow our 40,000 + community of leaders right here on LinkedIn and download a copy of my book by following this LINK to become a leader who can inspire their team to believe in the impossible.