From Rigidity to Flexibility: How to Lead without Losing Your Authenticity

Build a high-performing team team is not business as ssual anymore.

You and I know it. Business today isn't what it used to be. It's more like a roller coaster, full of ups and downs, unexpected turns, and thrilling loops. We're living in a world that's always on the move. Everything is in constant flux, and just when you think you've got it figured out, it changes again. So, the million-pound question is: How do we keep up?

Well, it seems like the command-and-control style of leadership we've gotten used to isn't cutting it anymore. But don't worry, we're not going to toss it out completely. It's just time for a remix, a new tune for the dance floor.

The key to this remix? Authenticity and adaptability.

"Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen" – Brené Brown

So, What Does It Mean to be Authentic?

Picture this. You're a brilliant engineer. You've got the technical chops that would make any tech geek swoon. But then, the big promotion happens.

Now, instead of spending your days elbows-deep in circuitry and code, you're managing a team. It's no longer about how good you are with machines, but how good you are with people.

Sounds tricky, right? This shift can make you feel like you're leaving your real self behind.

But here's the thing, being authentic doesn't mean you should be boxed into your old role or skills. It means staying true to your values while adapting to the situation in front of you.

"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change." – Albert Einstein

Adapt or Go Extinct

Remember your former stubborn boss? He was the poster boy for the 'lead from the front' approach. But his resistance to change, despite the feedback he received, got in the way. Mike was stuck in the mindset that changing would make him inauthentic.

Mike was a good guy and it serves as a wake-up call for us.

Authenticity isn't about sticking stubbornly to your values. It's about flexing and adapting to new situations while holding onto our values lightly. In other words, it's time to be like water—taking the shape of the container but staying true to its essence.

Leading is tough because being a leader in today's world is like being a tightrope walker.

You're walking on a thin line, balancing between staying true to your values and adapting to the ever-changing circumstances (emotional agility). It's no easy task, but once you master it, you'll be able to empower others to walk this line too.

Here’s the Toolkit You Need

So, how do we develop this authentic and adaptable leadership style?

First off, we need to know ourselves better. Tools like the Johari Window model can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots. Then, there's learning strategies like emotional flexibility, which helps you manage your emotions and deal with people effectively.

This is often at the heart of our leadership coaching framework.

Remember, you're not in this alone. Models like Transformational Leadership and Adaptive Leadership can guide you to foster innovation and calculated risk-taking. And mindfulness? It's not just a buzzword. It's a practice that can enhance self-awareness, empathy, and focus.

Building a culture that values feedback and continuous learning is crucial too. This way, we're all growing together, learning from our wins and our mistakes. And as you grow, keep in mind the principles of Servant Leadership—putting the needs of your team before your own. This nurtures an environment of trust and adaptability.

Another Story from the Workplace

Let me introduce you to another client case study of mine. Let's call her Sarah.

Sarah was a high-achieving marketing manager in a renowned software company. She was known for her flawless execution, attention to detail, and the ability to hit deadlines every single time. Her team loved her, not only for her perfectionist streak but also for her clear, concise communication.

But, as fate would have it, Sarah was reassigned to manage a new team - one that was filled with creative types who were more into big ideas and less into meticulous planning and rigid schedules. This team was brimming with potential, but their freewheeling style was a stark contrast to Sarah's methodical approach.

Initially, Sarah tried to change the team's dynamics to match her way of working, but it led to resentment and friction. The team's creativity suffered, and productivity plummeted. Something had to give.

Sarah knew she had to change her approach. She had to be more adaptable, but at the same time, she didn't want to compromise on her authenticity.

That's when Sarah decided to employ the principles of the Situational Leadership Model. She realized that her team didn't need a director; they needed a coach, a mentor. She started giving them the freedom to brainstorm and create, while she provided guidance and structure to ensure the ideas were feasible and deadlines were met.

In meetings, she listened more and talked less. She encouraged brainstorming sessions where every idea was welcome, no matter how wild. She guided them, helped them align their ideas with the company's objectives, and created a roadmap to bring those ideas to life.

Sarah stayed true to herself – to her values of hard work, clear communication, and achieving goals – but she adapted her leadership style to suit her new team. It wasn't easy, and it wasn't quick, but Sarah's patience and commitment paid off. The team's performance and morale skyrocketed.

Sarah's story drives home an important point. Authentic and adaptable leadership isn't about forcing others to adapt to us, but about us adapting to them while staying true to our values. It's about understanding that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to leadership. It's about finding the balance between who we are and what the situation demands.

So, how are you going to adapt? And how will you stay true to yourself while doing so? It's a juggling act, no doubt. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes a dance – a dance with the waves of change.

The Winds of Change are Blowing

Change is here to stay. The world isn't going to slow down and wait for us to catch up. But we're not helpless in the face of this change. Authentic and adaptable leadership is our surfboard to ride the waves of change.

By holding on to our authenticity and embracing adaptability, we can navigate through the complexities of today's business environment. We can create spaces where people feel safe to express themselves, where they're motivated to work together, and where they're encouraged to learn and grow.

So, let's ask ourselves: Are we ready to step out of our comfort zone and into the unknown? Are we ready to adapt and still be true to ourselves?

In the end, it's not about stopping the winds of change, but learning to set sail in the right direction. And who knows, we might even enjoy the ride. After all, isn't that what life's all about? Riding the waves of change, leading with authenticity, and never losing sight of who we are while we adapt to whatever comes our way.

Let's embrace the change, let's be authentic and adaptable leaders. Let's set sail into the future, ready for whatever it may bring. Because the only thing that's certain in life is change, and how we respond to it defines us, our teams, and our businesses.

Go on, dive in. The water’s fine.