Insecurity
January 26, 2021
-Karthik Gurumurthy
"Leaders who don't listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say" -Andy Stanley
Today I got a chance to listen in to a leader about the upcoming project. I always start with ground zero and after going through the documentation, I got a chance to ask my questions sorted. The leader wasn't too happy. I was extremely careful with my questions making sure it is not putting anybody in a spot but to understand the upcoming project. The leader was constantly making gestures to shush me. I tried to schedule a 1:1 to see if I can get the questions sorted out.
The leaders who don't listen or allow themselves to be questioned are usually fearful. They won't say that, but their actions indicate fear is a driver.
The leader who doesn't listen believes they are the only one with the answers or the way forward. Their ego fears others to have better ideas than them. Or they fear they will fail if other's ideas get implemented over theirs because they have taken personal ownership instead of team ownership.
The leader who can't be questioned usually stems from insecurity or not feeling worthy. They may have bravado that makes you think they feel worthy, but in actuality arrogance requires someone to feel above another to feel safe. A confident leader is curious.
The great news is having awareness of how fear causes behavior different that how most leaders intend to show up helps them adjust!
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