Leadership Exposed

A common question I have heard this year is, “Why are so many leaders failing?” I certainly don’t think leadership has ever been easy, but I do believe a global health crisis – resulting in face-to-face jobs shifting to hybrid or remote work – has directly impacted our tolerance for poor or unqualified leadership.

I have noticed a pattern. I believe there are three types of leaders who are being called to step up or step aside.

First, we have the Loud Leader. This individual has been able to hide behind their bravado. Typically, they are the loudest voice in the room. We might also describe them as people who take up a lot of space. They are often extroverted, and they may love “shaking hands and kissing babies.” The volume and quantity of their words have in many ways served as a shield. People are impressed – and sometimes fooled – by their presence.

This type of leader was previously able to dominate a room full of people with an expressive personality, but this style doesn’t translate to a hybrid or remote world. Ironically, Loud Leaders are struggling to find spaces where they can be heard.

Next, let’s consider the Bully Leader. I once worked for someone who intentionally chose an office in front of the only entrance to our building. She positioned her desk to face the door so she could note each time an employee came and went. She also required everyone to keep their office door open so she could further monitor office hours. Additionally, each employee had three mandatory meetings with her each month. These were all control tactics. Her goal was to keep people in line by micromanaging them.

Her strategy was rooted in fear and intimidation. However, a “because I said so” approach doesn’t have the same strong hold in a hybrid or remote world. Bully Leaders are struggling because imitation loses its power when you are no longer in close proximity to a threat.

We also need to consider the Cool-Guy Leader. This individual often lacks tangible and necessary leadership skills. However, because they are likable and have developed a strong inner circle they were promoted into leadership. These individuals rely heavily on their network to protect them. Their inner circle often picks up the slack and makes sure their leader doesn’t look bad.

Cool-Guy Leaders leverage unspoken alliances, but they are struggling because much of their success is rooted in “water cooler culture.” They need face-to-face time with their inner circle to maintain those necessary relationships. The Cool-Guy Leader is dependent on those around them to make sure they are on track. The inner circle that was once able to address rumors and make up for shortcomings may no longer be able to circle the wagons and protect their leader from a distance.

All three of these leaders have been playing roles and we are beginning to see through their act.

The reality is, the ways we work are rapidly changing, and that has influenced what we need and expect from our leaders. Followers are seeing leadership deficiencies; poor leaders are being exposed.

These new work models have pulled back the curtain and given us a front row seat to the leaders who have simply been acting.

This means that leaders who are willing to develop deep and meaningful relationships with their people will thrive. Gone are the days when people will blindly follow the loudest voice in the room, the bully, or the cool guy. Instead, we are entering an era where followers will embrace those who have taken the time to get to know them and as a result, have their best interest at heart.

As a result of a connection with their people, healthy leaders are on the frontlines facilitating conversations around new policies and best practices for a remote and hybrid world, they are thinking outside the box, and including their people in the process. These are the people we want taking center stage.

Relationships have never been more important in leadership. The leaders who fail to connect with their people will find their leadership to simply be a one-act play. While leaders who do the hard work of connecting with people – online or face-to-face – will discover success on their side.

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