Extraordinary leaders find meaning in—and learn from—the most negative events (Bennis & Thomas, 2002). Exemplary leaders stress-test their values and examine their judgment. In a VUCA-impacted organization, modeling values is not enough to positively influence others. Practicing what we preach is what makes the difference between a true leader as a role model and a short-term, situational leader. In other words, to become exemplary leaders, we must “walk the talk”.
Exemplary leaders have strong beliefs about matters of principle. To me, a leader as a role model is the one who reproduces her/himself through influencing others to grow a similar model of values and traits. In rough work environments, leaders manage to get through a narrow pipeline that is full of VUCA-driven restrictions – the so-called constraints of scope, time, budget, resources, and risks. While being pressed by theses constraints, leaders are like a butterfly that must struggle to force its body through the little cocoon hole. For the butterfly’s wings be ready for flight, the butterfly must push its way through the tiny opening to force the fluid from its body and wings. This occurs only through struggling through the opening. Similarly, struggling and tough situations force leaders into deep self-reflection underlying the leaders’ sincere actions that impress and impact others.
While you can impress people at a distance, you can impact them only up close.”-Howard Hendricks. The latter part -influence- is harder to master as it requires leaders to go through the mill while being a role model – continuously learning good lessons from bitter experiences. Consequently, what matters most is what one makes of experience, particularly the traumatic and often unplanned crucible events that challenge one’s identity as a leader. Leader’s approach to learning is what distinguishes leaders who grow through a crucible experience (Thomas, 2008).
To summarize this consideration, throughout my career, I have learned the art of “transforming by struggling”. I have no fear of responding to “negative risks”. I enjoy the heat resulting from managing risks and I am never afraid of getting exposed or becoming vulnerable while encountering VUCA-driven situations. But, I want to learn more in this regard.
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