Did you know that today’s leaders need vulnerability and not bravado? Such leaders can champion progress where answers are not evident in a world of extreme uncertainty and interdependence.
Dorothy Enriquez is one of those leaders. This visionary and optimistic woman is known for her practical communication skills, ‘edu-taining’ leadership courseware, and interactive programs. A 15-year veteran of Corporate America, wielding multiple certifications (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Emergenetics, Situational Leadership & Breakthrough Performance) and a master’s degree in Human Communication, she strives to make transformative development accessible and relatable.
In this article, we find out what being a leader means.
- Being Transparent
As a leader, there are many things you’re responsible for, hence why you have that role. You will have entrepreneurial friends and associates where you all can share these war stories. Dorothy’s Ellevate Co-Founder, Dr. Laci C.Robbins, always says, “When the tide comes in, all boats lift, right?” So if I help you and you help her, and then she helps him, and we’re all in the same community, we all win.
Dorothy believes that it’s a matter of sharing and not being stingy and playing it close to the vest. It’s about being transparent about the mistakes that you make because none of us are perfect. Nobody knows what they’re doing, especially in the beginning. They’re just figuring it out as they go. Then they were willing to be a source of assistance and help and provide guidance, advice for the people who want it.
- Asking for Feedback Loops
As the leader, it’s important to remember that you’re not always right. You are human just like everyone else, and because you’re human, that means you make mistakes, and you should always analyze yourself so that you can be better, even if that means it’s one percent every day or every week.
As part of being a leader, sometimes people get scared to come up to you and tell you how to improve. However, it’s vital that, as a leader, you ask for feedback loops. For example, if you run a business, one of the most important ways is to track your NPS. NPS is a score that showcases if your clients would refer business to your firm.
Respondents rate your company from a 1 to 10. It allows them to share what they liked about your business and what they don’t like about your business so you can improve.
You might think this is hard, but if you think about it, if you’re asking for feedback loops like this every 30 days, it’s almost impossible to go backward.
If you’re asking for feedback loops like this, your business will be better and better every time you get feedback.
This approach works if you’re a leader or a CEO of an organization. When you ask for feedback from your team, you will only get better.
- Humanizing Yourself
Now, as a leader, sometimes you can get caught up in your glorified state. It can be hard to see the wrong that you’re doing or if you have an ego that is completely sabotaging your friendships and relationships.
The downside with that is that it’s also a blindspot. Your ego is there as a defense mechanism, and it’s usually there when you do great work. Now I know we covered getting feedback loops, but if you have an ego in the way, then the feedback loops won’t be of any help.
That’s why in this section, we’re talking about humanizing yourself or, in other words, being humble. Being able to humble yourself as a leader for any feedback you get, you’ll receive with open arms. You won’t receive it with evil intent and you won’t accept it with maliciousness. You won’t take it personally, and you will be willing to work on what you need to work on.
This step allows more people to talk to you and speak freely around you while still giving you the respect you deserve as a leader.
Wrap Up
Therefore as a great and influential leader, you need vulnerability. It would help if you were transparent in everything you do to your team. Additionally, keep asking for feedback and humanize yourself. For more information about leadership, you can learn more about and connect with Dorothy Enriquez here.