Unpacking the Myth of Ideal Leadership
June 21st, 2024Principal Consultant - Tutul Consulting
Venora Noronha Lobo
At Tutul, we help aspiring leaders embark on high context journeys, elevating them to a position of ‘leadership in action’.
Among the various types of leadership we see today, is there one that is truly ideal?
Is it that charismatic leader who will make your eyes turn or perhaps the one who can assert a strict deadline with empathy?
At Tutul, we help aspiring leaders embark on high context journeys, elevating them to a position of ‘leadership in action’. Deep diagnostics combined with comprehensive assessments have helped us partner phenomenal results in leadership development. Each initiative in leadership building clarifies that ideal leadership is as complex and multifaceted as each individual who strives to embody it.
Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all model that can be neatly packaged and replicated. You may look at it as a dynamic interplay of qualities, skills, and behaviors. Accompanied by self-awareness and adaptability, it evolves over time.
Leaders must be willing to flex and adapt in accordance with the needs of their teams and the evolving needs of their organization. At Tutul, we appreciate different leadership styles and resources are spent to tailor interventions best-suited for their distinct needs.
Leaders who take personal responsibility in making a conscious shift for the sake of their teams tend to achieve positive results much sooner than those who insist on a rigid management style (owing to past success).
As much as we'd like to believe in the existence of a universal blueprint for ‘ideal leadership’, the reality is far more nuanced. It is deeply contextual and shaped by the unique circumstances. A leadership style that is revered in one team may not necessarily drive another. The multi-faceted, dynamic leader of a start-up may fail to command a desired response in a traditional setting. An emerging institution will require an agile leadership team, driven by a laser-focused enterprise mind-set..
At Tutul, I recall a client’s personal tussle with isolation in her senior leadership position. Having to navigate high-pressure situations alone, was a significant pain-point that surfaced in her personal narrative. Leaders who have a fondness for being popular (and liked) find it hard to show tough love!
Another leader faced deep anxiety from having to transfer a tenured employee (and close friend) out of their team. Through a string of coaching conversations and self-management techniques, we were able to help this leader navigate their emotions better and replace feelings of guilt and remorse with peace and confidence.
Leadership is finally about enabling their followers to a higher state of living and performance - it is also about the followers! So, an elusive ‘ideal leadership’ is really about showing up authentically, leading with integrity, and being willing to adapt to enable the team looking up to you for inspiration.
In your own journey of leadership, what is driving you to be better than yesterday?