As a mom I’m constantly reminded that my children are watching. Well guess what your subordinates are watching you! You model your expectations. Even more than that though is they watch to see how real you are. For years my subordinates didn’t come to me for advice. But I never let them know me. Once I opened up and let people see that I struggle with work and parenting. That I struggle with mental health. That I F up sometimes, that I’m late, that sometimes I can’t even dress myself lol. When you put on that facade of perfection that creates a wall between you and others. Embrace that you aren’t perfect! This will have others come to you. My favorite moment was walking out of a mental health clinic red faced from crying to see one of my subordinates in the lobby. I made a decision to stop and chat with him and be vulnerable. I could have avoided eye contact and hurried out, but I saw his surprise. That moment changed our relationship. He now feels comfortable talking to me. Game changer! So often people say “fake it till you make it”, yea no! If you don’t know something be honest about it. People can spot BS, if you admit you don’t know everything others will be more comfortable coming to you with questions. This is the goal, don’t fear not knowing the answer. If you don’t know the answer, then together you two can find the answer and learn together! No one is perfect, and people don’t trust those “perfect” people.
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