Here’s a small and powerful article by author and business strategist Andreas Jones on “Five Irrefutable Paradoxes Of Leadership”https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2016/10/24/five-irrefutable-paradoxes-of-leadership (850 words) [Forbes Coaches Council, 24-Oct-2016].

In the article he explores how as leaders we have to embrace qualities that don’t come naturally and make space for those under us to lead. Choosing to engage in the five paradoxes, he notes, takes courage and a willingness to be vulnerable. This helps us to become more effective, confident and more able to make impactful decisions. For us, this is part of stakeholder engagement, organisational governance and management controls.

Consider the five paradoxes:

Success comes from failure. Building resilience, it’s the smart way to learn from failure.
Humility is a key characteristic of great leaders. Talking less and listening more. Recognising valuable contributions.
Learn by doing. Encouraging growth, giving people the gift of stretching their wings.
Don’t rush your employees' development. Developing patience, even when mistakes are made.
Leadership is about relationships, not unilateral decision-making. Getting to know your teams, as people.

What failures have made you more resilient? When was the last time you sat with your team and gave space for them to shine as people? What growth opportunities are waiting for people to spread their wings?

How does this thinking apply to you as a Project Manager? What failures have been ignored? Are you listening to celebrate everyday success? What relationships need to be deepened?

Why is this important? Good question. We are people before we are leaders. In the journey that is leadership we often lean into what is comfortable and familiar. Though, leadership is a journey and ignoring the qualities that don’t come naturally along the way builds a pedestal to stand on. This leaves a void that can only be filled by engagement and acceptance that mistakes happen. Its how we respond as people in the void that defines the best leaders.

Inviting you to have a read and to have a chat with me about your thoughts.

[Originally posted internally in my role as Project Management Practice Lead at The Warehouse Group.]