Christian LeadershipSample

The Human Side Of Leadership

There’s a term in my business that I’m not fond of but can’t deny the truth behind it. This particular phrase pops up when I take on a certain demeanour and what’s most embarrassing is that my staff can see it start on my face and know it’s coming. Inevitably what follows are the words, ‘Oh no, it’s Cranky Neri’.

I hate to admit it, but I get cranky. Sometimes unnecessarily cranky. Usually when something doesn’t go my way.

I’ve been on a journey with this little temper of mine over the years. But nothing has challenged this, and refined it more, than leading a team. That’s the funny thing about leadership – it tends to bring your faults and insecurities to the surface in a way that’s hard to ignore.

I’m not proud of this part of my personality. I despise it. But I’m grateful for it at the same time because it has taught me a very important trait. Forgiveness. Not just forgiving myself, but seeking forgiveness from my staff when ‘Cranky Neri’ has reared her undesirable head.

As a leader, the ability to admit when I’m wrong and genuinely seek forgiveness is the most powerful tool in building my team. We tend to think that if you’re a leader you’re meant to have it together; you have all the answers. But real leadership is not sitting in a fancy office separate from our staff. It’s sitting with them and showing them we’re just as human as they are, giving them permission to fail, have a bad day or admit they are wrong and know that forgiveness awaits them. True leadership, as Jesus modelled it, is to show your human side and give permission for others to do so too. 

Written by NERI MORRIS