Member-only story
Sins of a leader: Insecurity
During my regular #CoffeeWithFriends session, a friend shared her frustrations with her Reporting Officer (RO). She was tasked to organize an event and, during the initial Approval of Plan meeting with her Counter-Signing Officer (CSO), had proposed an event sequence of A, B, C and D. During the presentation, her RO suggested to the CSO that a sequence of D, C, B and A would be better. The CSO agreed and the plans were changed.
Subsequently, at the mid-project review meeting, the RO questioned the sequence and said that a sequence of A, B, C and D would be better. Essentially going back to the team’s original proposal.
I shared that this is a common manifestation of insecurity in leaders. In their endeavor to demonstrate their value, insecure leaders often feel compelled to provide suggestions, even if there may be no substantive input to offer. They are driven to find a way to contribute, regardless of the actual need for it.
I added that, in my opinion, there is nothing my friend could do but accept the reality. Her CSO’s insecurity is a demon he, and he alone, had to fight.
My question to you, as leaders, is whether you guilty of this ….
