Why Businesses are Moving Towards Trust and Vulnerably Leadership Style
Last week I was fortunate enough to work with a client who gave me one of the most incredible experiences of TRUST and VULNERABILITY in the workplace.
I am a massive advocate of Patrick Lencioni’s 5 Dysfunctions of a Team. He talks about TRUST being the starting point from which you build a high functioning team and business. In fact, it is the ABSENCE of TRUST that exists in too many companies (I have personally experienced), that stifles growth, innovation, the establishment of a great culture, and attracting true “a players” into your organisation.
As we set-out on our two-day strategic planning retreat, we did what Patrick Lencioni calls the “Personal Histories” exercise. This entails all participants starting with the CEO discussing their answers to 3 questions:
Where were they born?
What number child in the family were they? and
What was a memorable childhood learning?
The CEO kicked-off. Visually emotional about a significant struggle and learning in his childhood, he set the tone. What followed were accounts from the rest of the Leadership Team, that were truly incredible. They were raw and real. Tears flowed from almost every executive as they dug deep to recount a struggle and the massive learning when they came out the other side of that struggle. (If you think this is all too “soft and fluffy” for you, don’t bother reading on…)
Whilst many of this team had known each other for a number of years, some of what was revealed was new to them all. Certainly, showing vulnerability and openness were a leap-of-faith for the team. It was totally different from the usually stoic, objective, and action-oriented approach to their business and teamwork.
Whilst some of what was shared was deeply personal, the foundation that was laid was immeasurable! For an organisation wanting to take the next big step in its growth journey, this was crucial.
No surprises, that the remainder of the 2 days were absolutely sensational. People took risks putting forward their thoughts and perspectives where they would typically have held back.
This organisation has now put in place a One Page Strategic Plan that is fully owned by its Leadership Team. It has also implemented an Accountability Framework that positions them well to ensure the strategy is brought to life on a DAILY basis and will executed upon in a high trust and collaborative manner!
Most importantly, this organisation’s Leadership Team now have deep personal connections and a new level of trust built from being, real, authentic, and extremely VULNERABLE. These are key ingredients for the organisation to achieve its lofty goals and ambitions. I am grateful to have an opportunity to support them on their exciting journey!!
Please share your stories of trust and vulnerability having a positive impact on your organisation.
Grow your business without the pain.
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