This is Day #5 of 14 Days to Better Workplace Relationships, a collaboration between Boss Builders and Wisdom Tree Coaching.
This was the year I chose to finally remove all of my social media from my phone. I did it for a number of reasons but primarily to free up more time for creativity. I need my social media accounts active to promote my business but was finding myself (along with most Americans) mindlessly scrolling through my phone any time there was a dull moment.
Subtly though, there was another reason. Maybe it’s just me, but according to my social media accounts, everyone’s business is more profitable than mine. Every speaker is “honored” to be speaking at grand events that I never get invited to speak at. Everyone’s vacations are more fun than mine. Everyone’s kids are more successful than mine. Everyone’s marriage is better than mine. And the list goes on.
Either I’m the most unsuccessful person on the planet, or everyone is exaggerating or flat-out lying on social media!
Wouldn’t it be great if people would just be more self-disclosing?
- Wow, this year I am really struggling to get gigs
- Once again, my speaking proposal was rejected for the conference
- Yeah, this year we simply can’t afford a vacation
- My kid is ranked first in his graduating class…from the bottom
- My hubby is a lazy, selfish moron and never brings me coffee in bed
Now of course these are extremes, but I think we all relate better to someone who is real. Who is normal. Who has fears. Flaws. Weaknesses. Just like we do!
If you’re going to be relatable as The Boss, it might be good to own up to the fact you’re not perfect. Yes, a direct report respects you if you’re successful, but don’t be afraid to self-disclose your arduous journey to your current position.
- When I first started out, I was really impatient.
- I remember when I first was hired here, I felt really overwhelmed.
- There were times I thought my first boss was an idiot.
- I sometimes wonder how we’ll ever be able to get caught up on these projects.
Now mind you we don’t want to self-disclose real problems. You wouldn’t want the airline pilot to come over the PA and tell you that he really gets nervous having to fly into O’Hare in bad weather. Self-disclosure to elicit comfort in our lack of ability, not sheer terror.
This week, think about what you’d be comfortable revealing that shows progress in your leadership journey. I think all of us would rather follow someone who knows how to overcome challenges, not just be born not having experienced any.