I had a conversation the other day about organizations that are failing and leadership that appears unaware. We were wondering aloud how the top leadership of an organization could miss the unmistakable signs of impending crisis—or disaster. The colleague to whom I was speaking said that she thought that there are those who will embrace the delusion, telling themselves that everything is okay, believing excuses they are given or just plain ignoring the facts.
As a leader, especially a leader who leads with heart, it is vital that our teams feel supported and confident, that our staff know that we are behind them and that we care. But that does not mean that we blithely assume that all is well and ignore the realities of our financial position, staffing and the market. Leadership does not, and cannot, mean burying your head in the sand.
In fact, I would contend that those who lead with heart are unlikely to fall into that “embrace the delusion” trap. When you are truly connected with your people, you are more than aware of how they are reacting and interacting, both with you and with others. The cues that indicate issues are not ones you can miss and, if you are highly engaged with your staff, they will be more open to sharing with you rather than concealing important information.
When you lead with heart, the intent is not to play Pollyanna and act as if all is well when it is not. But, even in the worst of times, having relationships in place will help you to anticipate and resolve problems. We are not in this alone and when we honestly care about those who work with us, and demonstrate that caring on a daily basis, facing a storm, and weathering it, becomes more possible.
Leading with Head and Heart 