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Leadership Development: When Leaders Gain Respect


The Essence of Leadership: Conquering Ourselves, Not the Mountain

The journey of leadership is often misconstrued as a quest to conquer external challenges. However, the true essence lies in mastering one’s inner self. This concept is beautifully encapsulated in the quote, “We can never conquer the mountain, only ourselves.”

Leaders gain respect when they are able to master themselves and balance leadership polarities such as being, doing, thinking, acting, results oriented and people oriented. Integrating polarities seems simple in words yet difficult to master in actions. Yet, once a leader embodies polarities to a higher degree it begets respect. From themselves, they’re teams and organizations – and you see it in the results .

In the article I shall explain how it works and what results you might expect.

Integrating Polarities: A Path to Effectiveness and Fulfillment

Carl Jung’s concept of integrating polarities is pivotal in understanding the psyche and its development. Jung believed that nature, including the human psyche, is composed of opposites, and the balance of these opposites is essential for a harmonious and effective existence​​. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging and integrating the shadow – the less acceptable parts of our personality, such as aggression and lust, which if repressed, can lead to a lack of creativity and passion​​. Jung also asserted that the ultimate aim of every individual is to develop a full and balanced personality, achieved through the process of individuation, wherein one integrates various aspects of the self​​.

Case in Point: Balancing Perfectionism and Joy

Rich Sheridan, co-founder and “Chief Joy Officer” of Menlo Innovations, exemplifies the integration of polarities in leadership. Sheridan transformed his company culture by integrating joy and creativity, moving away from a purely results-driven approach. He emphasizes that striving for joy in a business context is about aspiring to a higher purpose, not just profit or fame. This approach has led to a unique and highly appreciated employee-first company culture​​.

The Power of Joy in Leadership

Joy in leadership plays a vital role in creating meaningful connections within a team. Humans are inherently social, and these connections are the foundation for a joyful work environment. Leaders can facilitate this by being open and approachable, allowing for the reciprocal flow of joy and positive energy​​. Recognizing achievements generously and expressing gratitude are key elements in cultivating joy and motivation among team members​​. Demonstrating joy, especially in challenging times, can inspire and uplift a team, fostering an environment where positive emotions coexist with the inevitable challenges and frustrations​​.

Conclusion: Integrating Polarities for Effective Leadership

Integrating polarities in leadership – such as perfectionism and joy – is a powerful tool for creating a balanced and fulfilling work atmosphere. Leaders who achieve this balance not only become more effective but also gain the respect and admiration of their teams. They create a workplace where success is measured not just in results, but in the collective growth, satisfaction, and joy of the team. This is the real power of leadership – leading with humanity, understanding, and a well-rounded approach to both personal and professional development.

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Sources:

  1. Korn Ferry on Mindful Leadership: Mindful leadership: the importance of self-awareness
  2. Carl Jung – The Balance of Personality: Carl Jung – The Balance of Personality
  3. Navalent on Cultivating Joy in Leadership: Cultivating Joy in Leadership: The Importance of Becoming a Source of Joy

About Tom Oor

I’m a Learning and Development Business Partner specializing in creating and facilitating leadership and organizational development programs with global teams. My focus is on Purpose-Driven Leadership and Organizations. We transform business value gaps into impactful learning solutions such as offsites, journeys, and global hybrid programs.

Core Expertise:

  • Accelerating people development for higher returns and faster results
  • Leading high-performance international teams
  • Purpose-driven leadership and organizations
  • Cultivating high-performance cultures

We have worked with amongst others ABN-Amro, Google, PwC, Booking.com, ASML, Scotch & Soda, and Top Employers Institute to design and deliver transformative programs.