Congrats to Simone Biles for winning bronze this week in Tokyo, for standing up for herself and for showing leaders – athletic, business, public service or otherwise – the way forward.
Despite a small but noisy group of outside observers who railed against Biles for her deeply personal decision to withdraw from scheduled competitions, she had the unwavering support of her team, her sport and everyone who possesses just a little bit of empathy.
Her admission of vulnerability was a moment of strength, not weakness. A moment of authenticity, not indifference. A moment of humanity.
And it was a breakthrough of shifting thinking in this country about what demonstrates leadership.
Flawed is the new perfect.
For the first time in history, we are seeing cultural permission for leaders to show their weaknesses, expose their deficiencies and admit their imperfections.
Being honest about limitations creates a sense of authenticity that people respect because they recognize the same challenges in their own lives or in those of people they care about.
How many corporate crises would have been less disruptive to their brands had leaders’ humanity beat back cultural or market expectations of perfection?
Leaders of any rank and industry who acknowledge, not hide, their own faults will find their team responds, supports and follows with renewed purpose.
Brands face make or break pivot points in the months ahead. Is your brand ready?
Learn more here.
