To Be a Strong Leader, Don’t Hide Your Weaknesses

February 18, 2019

To Be a Strong Leader, Don’t Hide Your Weaknesses

What makes someone a strong leader? One characteristic that is often overlooked is humility. The best managers acknowledge their weaknesses and aren’t afraid to show their vulnerabilities. It’s tempting to want colleagues to see you only at your best, but that’s a bad way to lead. For one thing, it’s unsustainable. We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. Sooner or later, you will, too. For another, leading is about connecting. People will follow you, work hard for you, and sacrifice for you if they feel connected to you. And they won’t feel that way if you only let them see what you think will impress them. So don’t be afraid to own up to the areas where you aren’t perfect. If it helps, think of it this way: You aren’t weak; you have weaknesses. There is a difference.

Adapted from “The Best Leaders Aren’t Afraid to Ask for Help," by Peter Bregman

If You’re Underperforming, Be Honest with Your Boss

  
February 15, 2019

If You’re Underperforming, Be Honest with Your Boss

It’s normal to underperform from time to time. After all, everyone has bad weeks — or even months. But don’t just sit back and wait for a painful performance review; be proactive and talk with your manager about what’s going on (before they have a chance to discover it on their own). Explain your view of things in straightforward, direct terms. Talk about whether your underperformance is a one-off situation or an ongoing trend, as well as whether external factors are involved. But don’t make excuses — take responsibility. It may be appropriate to express contrition, in which case a sincere “I’m sorry” goes a long way. And then segue into how you can make things right going forward. Focus on this last part — what you can do to correct the situation — to show that you’ve thought carefully about a solution. You can also ask your boss for their advice on next steps, which will show that you respect their opinion.

Adapted from “How to Talk to Your Boss When You’re Underperforming," by Rebecca Knight