The traditional models of leadership that once dominated the workplace are finally being questioned. As managers, the responsibility to guide our teams toward success requires more than just authority; it demands authenticity, empathy, and an openness to redefine what it means to lead.
I spoke with Gaia van der Esch, author of Leading Our Way: How Women Are Redefining Leadership. She shared invaluable insights from her conversations with iconic women who have pushed the boundaries of what it looks like to lead. These lessons can help us shape a more inclusive and effective leadership style. Here’s what managers can learn from Gaia’s experiences and research on modern leadership.
We Need New Models of Leadership
Gaia’s journey as a manager began in a conventional environment, where leadership was synonymous with authority, competition, and profit above all. However, Gaia quickly realized that this model was not only misaligned with her personal style but also ineffective in achieving the desired outcomes. In short, if we want different outcomes, we need to try different approaches.
This realization sparked Gaia's quest to explore alternative leadership models that prioritize empathy, collaboration, and a broader impact beyond profit. For managers today, this is a call to reflect on their leadership styles and consider whether they are truly fostering the kind of workplace culture that promotes not just success, but sustainability and well-being.
Embracing Authenticity in Leadership
One of the core themes Gaia discusses is the importance of embracing one’s authentic leadership style. This is especially critical in an era where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of organizational priorities. Gaia notes that the full benefits of diversity don’t come from having diverse people present if they’re all thinking in the same way.
For managers, this is a powerful reminder that diversity in leadership styles is just as important as diversity in gender, race, or background. It’s about creating an environment where every leader, regardless of their identity, can lead in a way that is authentic to them, thereby enriching the team with varied perspectives and approaches.
The Power of Empathy and Vulnerability
Drawing on the example of Christiana Figueres, who played a pivotal role in the Paris Agreement on climate change, Gaia illustrates how showing vulnerability can be a powerful tool in leadership. Christiana, despite coming from a patriarchal background, learned that leadership was not just about a "hard back," but also about a "soft front." In the throes of personal crisis, she began to bring her empathetic and vulnerable side into the negotiation rooms. Gaia recounted how this approach transformed the dynamics of the climate negotiations, leading to a historic agreement.
Showing empathy and vulnerability does not equate to weakness. Instead, it fosters trust, opens channels for genuine communication, and can lead to more meaningful and impactful outcomes. It’s about striking a balance between strength and compassion, ensuring that while you guide your team with authority, you also connect with them on a human level. As Gaia puts it, there are times when we must use a hard back approach and times when a soft front is most useful. Therefore, we all need to cultivate both sides of us.
Leadership is a Collaborative Effort
Another significant insight from Gaia’s interview is the concept of leadership as a collaborative effort rather than a hierarchical command structure. She draws inspiration from Gloria Steinem, a leading figure in the feminist movement, who views leadership as "power with people, not power over people."
This approach to leadership emphasizes the importance of empowering team members, giving them the space and support they need to succeed. For managers, this means shifting from a mindset of control and delegation to one of collaboration and autonomy. It’s about recognizing that the best outcomes are achieved when everyone feels valued and included in the decision-making process.
Everyone Should Show Emotions
Gaia also touches on the gender stereotypes that often limit how both men and women express their leadership styles. She acknowledges that while women might be more socialized to show emotions, men are often discouraged from displaying such emotions due to societal expectations. This creates a disparity in how leadership is perceived and practiced.
For example, Gaia spoke of a CEO who often cried when she was frustrated. The act of crying is not only associated with weakness or sadness, it’s also something most people avoid in the workplace. Yet, by allowing herself access to a broader range of emotional expression, this CEO was able to share her deep frustration by explaining that her tears were a symbol of the intensity of her caring.
Managers need to be aware of these gender stereotypes and actively work to dismantle them within their teams. By fostering an environment where both men and women can express a full range of emotions and leadership styles, managers can help create a more equitable and effective workplace.
Gaia van der Esch’s insights offer a refreshing perspective on leadership that is particularly relevant for today’s managers. In a world that is increasingly valuing diversity, empathy, and authenticity, the traditional models of leadership are being redefined. As managers, embracing these changes is not just about staying relevant—it’s about leading in a way that is true to you and empowers and inspires your team.
By reflecting on the insights from Gaia’s interviews and applying these principles to your own leadership style, you can help cultivate a workplace culture that is not only successful but also sustainable, inclusive, and deeply human.
Listen to the entire episode HERE to learn more about conflict management.
Keep up with Gaia van der Esch
- Grab a copy of her book here
- Visit Gaia’s website for more information here
20% Off Leading Our Way: How Women Are Redefining Leadership
In this book, Gaia shares an inspiring collection of leadership stories from seven iconic women around the world. These stories explore new leadership models, concepts, and tools to inspire action and solve global challenges.
To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.
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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.
Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!
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