Perfectly Positioned in the Leadership Universe
Inc. Magazine ®, in their June 2013 edition had an extraordinary article aptly titled: Between Venus and Mars: 7 traits of true leaders, by Leigh Buchanan. The focus of the article was highlighting some of the seismic shifts in the needs of people today as it pertains to their relationship to/with those who call themselves or are exercising leadership. A rigorous study found that most people today desire and require a more historically “feminine” approach to leadership. What was once stereotyped as “soft” now is foundational. As a matter of fact, Norm Broadsky would assert, “it takes a tender leader to run a tough company.”
In this article they list seven traits that are most desired in followership today. They are: Empathy. Vulnerability. Humility. Inclusiveness. Generosity. Balance. Patience. For my next several blog posts, I am going to explore each of these traits and their antithesis. For I believe that there is much to be learned from the tug of war that happens between the two.
For instance, Empathy is great and needed, yet some still believe that independence is just as important. We wrestle the need to put ourselves in others shoes, while at the same time desiring and needing to manage the walking that happens in our own. And, I believe that life’s most significant moments happen in the flux of the tug-of-war. My goal is not to argue one point over another, but to illuminate the idea that at different points in life, in different seats, across different generations all of the traits are needed. Those who lead well know when to ‘hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.’ Stay Tuned, we’re going to take a ride to the stars and see if we can position leadership comfortably between Venus and Mars.
Peace, Love and Blessings,
T2
To read the Inc. Article: http://www.inc.com/magazine/201306/leigh-buchanan/traits-of-true-leaders_pagen_2.html