Why "Trad" Leadership Fails

Just a few weeks ago, the latest rendition of the fabled Superman lore was released.

And it got me thinking… well, I won’t ruin it if you haven't with a plot reveal, so I’ll go back to one of the traditional storylines for this analogy. 

Leaders who operate, act, and lead like they have an “S” on their chest do as much damage as the famous caped superhero did flying through the meteor destined to destroy the Earth.

Total Destruction

Sure, at first, the idea of being able to leap buildings, fly at the speed of a locomotive, or lift an entire arena full of people seems enticing, shoot, you could save the planet with all that power.

All that power in one ‘littttle package’, what could go wrong??

“Trad” (Traditional 😁) leadership, the kind where the leader has all the answers, is never flustered, and makes the right, best decision every time, only exists in a fictional world.

And even at that, the antagonist, the Lex Luthor types, portray themselves as the “have-it-all-together” kind.  Let that sink in.

Clark Kent ♥️  > Superman 💪🏼

“Trad” Leadership fails to focus on utilizing everyday heart, instead relying on superhuman skills.

Superman is applauded, until he isn't.  When all the good intentions fail, he has to seek a better way out.  He has to use human power, heart power.

And in every case, what gets Superman out of his predicaments is the ability to be human.  Set aside his superpower, embrace the Clark Kent persona, and utilize his “soft” skills.

Being Authentically Vulnerable

This week on the Tyler Dickerhoof Show, I sat down with my friend Eric Pfeiffer of MPWR Coaching.

He shared snippets from his latest book, “Upgrade Your Leadership” and the Leadership Operating System.

Beyond that were three key teachings that I want to share with you.

• The Power of Vulnerability and Personal Responsibility: Eric emphasized the importance of being open about one's struggles and taking personal responsibility for growth. He shared some of his darkest days, admitting how he masked the pain of leading in destructive ways.
  
  "I found myself medicating the pain, the stress, the hurt through alcohol. I was medicating through, you know, pornography at times. Anything that would allow, golf, was playing excessively, playing golf. Traveling, just finding reasons to travel. But not really owning that those were all really escape mechanisms. They were just ways for me to numb out."

This led to an ultimatum from his wife and a brief separation.

A situation that didn't disqualify his ability to coach and led, this MPWR’d (empowered) his ability.  Instead of seeming like Superman, he was a regular person dealing with regular real-life challenges and doing the work to get through it.

• Integration of Life and Leadership Principles: We will all face challenges.  What will keep you grounded?  Values.  

"I realized actually for me to optimize how I operate in any environment so that I am leading well or influencing the impact in the environment more and more as an asset than a liability, it's the same core set of principles that if we subscribe to and practice those in any environment actually give us far greater outcomes and results."

It’s not Superman skills that make you a good leader, it's the ability to focus on the values and principles that guide you and keep those at the forefront of everything you do.

• The Role of Empathy and Connection in Leadership: True leadership involves understanding and supporting others while also holding them accountable to foster growth and development.

People are like soil, within them greatness can sprout, but it takes the right conditions. 

"My job is if the soil is hard, then I need to run water over it, which means I'm gonna pour onto this person love and care and concern and nurture and empathy and compassion and belief into their life, hoping that the soil softens till they become more receptive and open."

A “V” on Your Chest

Instead of leading like you have an “S” on your chest, open your arms wide and display a V. A V for vulnerability and a heart for people.

I had to learn how to replace the S with a V, and I'd love to show you what that looks like.  It is the work that happens in the Roundtable.

A new session will be starting in mid-September.  I would love for you to be a part of it.  Simply reply to this email, and I can explain what it takes to claim your seat.

Did you catch this podcast? If not, listen to it here.