THE NEED FOR GENTLENESS IN LEADERSHIP

One of the most misunderstood ingredients to effective leadership is gentleness.  Many times gentleness is mistaken for weakness.  But the greatest leaders understand that gentleness is strength.

Gentleness is having or showing pleasant, good-natured personal qualities.

It is of great benefit for a leader to incorporate gentleness into his or her leadership.  So for this reason, I want to share 5 ways to incorporate gentleness into your leadership.

1.    Practice self-control in difficult situations.

The ability to control yourself in the midst of difficult situations will power your leadership.  It can be a challenge to approach difficult situations with self-control, but when this is done it sends powerful messages of confidence and stability to those around you.

2.    Speak the truth with love and respect.

Gentleness always speaks the truth in love and with respect.  Some times the truth hurts, but if it is done with love and respect it can be liberating and completely empowering to your leadership. 

3.    Be reliable and even-tempered.

Gentleness never fails to show up even when there is a crisis.  Matter of fact, gentleness is more evident during times of a crisis.  Leaders practicing gentleness will be deliberate about tone and pace when dealing with challenges.  These leaders don’t over-react and they consistent react in a positive manner.

4.    Care.

Being a gentle leader is to make a choice to care.  It is easy not to care because in these situations it is all about self.  Great leaders are about helping others.  One of my favorite quotes is by the 26th President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt when he said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  Gentleness cares and will protect the vulnerable, the hurt, and anyone in need of healing.  Gentleness is caring and caring is developing trusted relationships. 

5.    Ask questions and show grace.

Leaders that practice gentleness look for answers within themselves, but also outside of themselves.  These leaders don’t think they have all the answers, but rather they trust in their team and others associated with the team.  And if a mistake is made, a gentle leader is all about extending grace.

Regardless of how you are currently leading, you need gentleness in your leadership.  Just remember that practicing gentleness isn’t being a weak leader, but on the contrary it is showing your strength.

How are you practicing gentleness with your leadership?  Please leave a comment below or email me directly.

Bryant

If you liked what you read here, subscribe here to get the latest ideas on success and leadership.