Opinion: Adopting the ‘and’ leadership style
BY CHRISTI HEGSTAD | MAP Professional Development Inc.
“The problem with the world is that open-minded people are full of doubt while close-minded people are full of confidence.” – Unknown
I saw this quote weeks ago and can’t seem to shake it. Do certain people come to mind as you read it? Would you place yourself in one of these two categories?
By and large, the women I coach are successful, decisive, change-making leaders. They willingly step (or in many cases, leap) out of their comfort zones to support the greater good. They are strong and take action.
They also are willing to entertain various points of view. They acknowledge that more than one right way exists to achieve a goal. They’re empathetic, compassionate and excellent listeners.
We are taught from a young age that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. So, if we aren’t boisterously opinionated, are we brushed off? Must we knock down others in order to be heard?
Absolutely not.
My friend Sarah is a perfect example. She will never win a shouting match with you — but her whispers of wisdom speak volumes. You’ll never see her onstage spouting “the one right way” — but you would follow her in times of danger and trust her with your life. She is the epitome of one of my favorite lines:
Never mistake kindness for weakness.
We don’t live in an either/or world, friends. You can be kind and strong. You can be quiet and influential. You can be peaceful and powerful. You can be open-minded andconfident.
That is my greatest request of you right now, and my highest challenge.
Lead fiercely and with great love.
Model compassion with strength.
Guide with purpose, assurance and grace.
Believe in yourself, in those around you, in the greater good. Our organizations need your specific brand of authentic, heart-centered leadership. Our communities need it. Our families, our country and our world need it.
And you — YOU — are perfect for the role. Of that, my open mind is 100 percent confident.
Dr. Christi Hegstad is a Certified Executive & Leadership Coach, speaker, author, and President of MAP Professional Development Inc. Find out more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MAPIncFan, and via Twitter and Instagram at @ChristiHegstad.
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