Leaders, Ditch the Facade & Get Present!
obijames
Reflecting deeply on a session that that I recently had with a corporate leadership team. As an experienced leadership coach and consultant, I’m accustomed to navigating the complexities of organisational dynamics. But this meeting struck a deeper chord.
From the outside, this corporate team appeared to have it all together. They were part of a global company, laser-focused on driving innovation and excellence in their industry. Their intentions were ambitious, and they had assembled an impressive roster of partners and stakeholders to help execute their strategic goals.
Yet, as I listened to the team discuss their approach, I sensed an undercurrent of insecurity and uncertainty. They were acutely aware of their blind spots – the fact that, as a predominantly US-led organisation, they might inadvertently be imposing their own cultural norms and expectations on their global counterparts.
Halfway through the session, one leader posed a question that resonated with me: “Who do we need to be?” rather than asserting, “This is who we are.” It was a subtle but significant shift in mindset.
I recognised this as a pivotal moment. The team could have easily doubled down on their existing processes and protocols, rationalising that their intentions were good and their methods were proven. After all, they were the experts and the leaders, right?
But instead, they chose to shed their insecurities and examine their approach with vulnerability. They acknowledged the importance of truly understanding their partners’ perspectives, rather than assuming they knew best.
This, I knew, was the essence of authentic, inclusive leadership. It’s not about having all the answers but about having the courage to ask the right questions – and then being willing to act on the insights that emerge.
This ties directly into the message I share in my book, Let Go Leadership. In the book, I emphasise that true leadership isn’t about rigid control or having all the answers; it’s about letting go of the need for certainty and embracing the unknown. It’s about fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are not just heard but actively sought out and valued. When leaders let go of the illusion of control, they open the door to greater innovation, collaboration, and, ultimately, success.
Of course, this path is not without its challenges. The team was still relatively new and operating in complex, cross-cultural environments. There would undoubtedly be missteps and uncomfortable moments along the way.
But I could see the potential. By creating space for open dialogue, acknowledging blind spots, and truly listening to diverse perspectives, this team had the opportunity to build the trust and psychological safety needed for their global partnerships to thrive.
In my experience, vulnerability and humility are often seen as weaknesses, especially in high-performing organisations. Leaders feel the pressure to project an image of confidence and control. But as I’ve learned, this facade can actually hinder an organisation’s ability to adapt and innovate.
The most effective leaders aren’t the ones who have all the answers, but those who are brave enough to ask the right questions – and then have the humility to let go of their preconceptions and learn.
For this corporate team, the journey was just beginning. But by shedding their insecurities and embracing a more authentic, inclusive approach, they had the potential to unlock new levels of impact and collaboration – not just for their organisation, but for the clients they served worldwide.
In the end, Let Go Leadership is about this very process of transformation. It’s about recognising that true power lies not in holding on tightly but in letting go – of insecurities, preconceived notions, and the need for control. When leaders embrace this mindset and get present with their people, they create space for growth, innovation, and a deeper connection with those they lead. This leadership team’s willingness to shed their insecurities and listen deeply to others is a powerful example of this philosophy in action.
