With our national election this Saturday, the nation is thinking about leadership. However, leaders aren’t just politicians or CEOs. You’re a leader – and a good leader – if you see potential in others and try to develop it. Many of us may be leaders without realising it.
So how does a leader lead well? What qualities come to mind when you think of good leadership?
Perhaps you think of good judgment, the ability to take risks and to make decisions with confidence. But what about a willingness to be vulnerable? Do you also see that as the quality of a leader?
Researcher Brene Brown has interviewed thousands of leaders globally on the future of leadership. Her research has resulted in a model of Daring Leadership. I find this model helpful, with its central truth that courage in leadership is not just about looking confident. It is also about being able to sit with vulnerability.
Brene Brown defines vulnerability as stepping into uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure. A person who avoids vulnerability might shield themselves with defensiveness, anger or perfectionism. A daring leader, however, removes this shield. They sit with the vulnerability needed to approach rather than avoid hard conversations. They’re aware of emotions and how these affect both themselves and others. They are also willing to be accountable instead of passing the blame.
Vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength.
If you would like to discover more about how to step up into good and brave leadership, have a look at these two resources:
The Daring Leadership Assessment – a free online assessment to discover your strengths and reflect on your opportunities for growth as a courageous leader: Dare to Lead
Clinic Director Valerie Ling’s thoughts on how good leaders inspire movement: Good Leader
#Leader #Leadership #GoodLeader #Vulnerable #QualitiesOfAGoodLeader
Lauren Chee (M Clin Psych, BSc (Hons – First Class)) is a psychologist who understands the importance of forming a genuine and caring therapeutic relationship with each individual she sees. Lauren is registered with Medicare and is also an approved practitioner in the NSW Workers Compensation System.
Lauren has experience working with both children and adults within schools, private clinics, and inpatient and outpatient hospital settings. Her warm and supportive approach helps her clients feel comfortable exploring their concerns in order to develop practical strategies to reach their goals. Some of the issues she has helped her clients with include depression, anxiety, perfectionism, adjustment to significant life change, self-esteem, grief, learning difficulties, and school and work-related stress.
In her work, Lauren recognises the individuality of each person and their story, and provides uniquely tailored treatments to support her clients. By being committed to the latest psychological research, she is able to equip her clients with evidence-based skills and knowledge that can lead to positive and lasting change. Lauren is a dedicated and approachable psychologist with a passion for helping her clients live a life in line with their personal values.
Lauren has a special interest in:
Anxiety Disorders e.g. Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, Health Anxiety
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Social Skills and Assertiveness
Parenting and Attachment
Child Mental Health and Wellbeing
Learning Difficulties e.g. ADHD, specific learning disorders
School-Related Stress
Christian Counselling
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time in nature, discovering new music, and sharing delicious meals with her friends and family.