“Don’t be afraid to show your flaws every now and then. They’re what make others want to work with you.” – The Colonel
If you’re anything like me, this one is tough. This is such a hard lesson for me to wrap my brain around. When we look in the mirror (whether real or proverbial) and see our faults (which is usually the first thing we notice), we ask ourselves, “Who am I that anyone would want to follow me?” That causes us to work hard to mask our faults, to bury them deep and cover them with a smooth veneer.
Unfortunately, when we do that, we become less authentic and less transparent and, therefore, less followable. It’s a confounding paradox. The important thing to remember is that acknowledging your flaws doesn’t mean you are complacent about them or aren’t working to overcome them. In fact, acknowledging your flaws means that you recognize them, are owning them, and therefore (I propose) are further along than most in overcoming them.
When we admit our shortcomings, others will naturally be drawn to us because we are more relatable, and they will work with us to help us grow.
Being willing to show your flaws allows your team to see you as human, honest, vulnerable, and genuine. This almost invariably will garner respect and empathy, and your team will be more committed to working for you and with you.
Read Lauren’s Whitepaper on The Nine Essentials of Significant Leadership.