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Published on 08/24/1998 All articles from this issue

A good leader shows he/she is vulnerable

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By Jean Hollands

Jean on the Job

Oh, boy. This column will cause some letters. People will say you must demonstrate courage, lead the charge, never admit your power loss, and don't let anyone know you are scared. Those are ideal injunctions, and I think good leaders often demonstrate those behaviors.

There are times, however, when a good leader will say the following:

I don't know what to do now.

I'm frightened.

I'm bewildered.

I'm feeling inadequate.

I'm feeling helpless.

When you can admit that you have those feelings, that you are just a human being, you will appear courageous. You will get into a jam once in a while. You will feel out of your rhythm. It's OK to say what some of your friends and colleagues are already observing. Say it. Then talk about your hardy nature and ask for inspiration to begin the problem-solving.

Jean A. Hollands, CEO, Growth & Leadership Center, author, "Silicon Syndrome: How to Survive a High-Tech Relationship," "Optimistic Organizations" and "Red Ink Behavior: Measure the High Cost of Problem Employees," was voted Business Woman of the Year in 1986 and 1996. Write to GLC, 1451 Grant Road, Mountain View, 94040.