In 2005, I stood at the front of a corporate training room, basking in applause. “Best session ever!”they exclaimed, their admiration fueling my ego. I felt invincible, convinced I’d mastered leadership. But beneath the surface, something was missing.
Years later, a coaching client’s heartfelt gratitude left me uneasy. Tears shone in their eyes as they confided, “Our sessions changed my life.” Yet, I deflected their praise, insisting it wasn’t about me. As their words faded, I was left with a gnawing emptiness—a sense that I had missed something vital.
The Leadership Paradigm Shift: Here’s what I’ve come to understand: Praise isn’t about you—it’s about them. It’s about their experience, their growth. When we bask in it or deflect it, we miss an opportunity to honor their perspective and deepen the connection. Instead, engage. Listen. Grow together. 🌱
How Leaders Can Engage with Praise: To lead with empathy and impact, rethink how you respond to recognition:
- Shift from Self to Service: Recognize that praise reflects their experience of your leadership—not your worth.
- Ask Questions That Honor Their Voice: “What stood out to you? How did this impact your approach?”
- Turn Recognition into Growth: Use their feedback as a mirror for self-reflection and improvement.
- Express Genuine Gratitude: Acknowledge not just their words but the courage it takes to share them.
- Cultivate Self-Compassion: When you value yourself internally, you can receive praise without ego or deflection clouding the moment.
The Ripple Effect of This Shift: This shift has profoundly changed how I lead. By engaging with praise thoughtfully, I’ve built stronger relationships and created more meaningful moments of connection with those I serve. It’s helped me see leadership not as a performance but as a partnership—a shared journey of growth and trust. 🌟
Your Turn: The next time someone offers you praise, pause before you react. Ask yourself: How can I honor their experience? What can I learn from this moment? 💡
See more of my posts on my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/coaching-leadership-mosaic
