This post, written originally for my LinkedIn newsletter, speaks directly to the heart of the question: Why do many leaders insist on being two (or more) different people? One exclusively for work, and the other for “life”? It’s exhausting, and erodes trust.
How many times do you see this question asked every week, usually in relation to a post that might feel personal, or be labeled as “non-business” related? How often do you find yourself asking, “Is this appropriate to share in LinkedIn?” or “Is this too personal, and not truly business related?”
I know at times I’ve wrestled with those questions.
First, I understand LinkedIn isn’t Facebook (or Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and I appreciate that distinction. However, why are we so judgmental when people share stories about how their more personal stories? What qualifies something as not “business-y” enough for LinkedIn?
As a leadership burnout coach, it pains me to see comments demanding we strip our humanity away from what is shared on this platform. I know my personal business leadership story would be woefully incomplete without the context of my personal stories. My open-hearted management style might seem artificial if you didn’t understand how the death of my son in 2011 deeply, personally affected me. It was the catalyst, the wake-up siren, I needed to understand there was so much more to living and enjoying a truly fulfilled life than work.
My decision to exit the corporate world several years later to open my own coaching practice could seem, on the surface, like a product of the Great Resignation, or COVID fallout. However, it doesn’t paint the picture of the extreme, dangerous burnout, malnutrition, and alcoholism I was struggling with in total shame at work, and my resulting near-death experience. I cannot credibly coach others in the space of burnout and leadership without sharing openly and honestly about my own story.
Our stories inform who we are, as a whole person. If that’s not who you are showing up as at your job, then who are you? Are you two different people between your personal life and your business life? Which is your true self vs. your persona? And, why? Isn’t it exhausting? Doesn’t it feel dishonest?
I know – so many questions! Remember, I am a coach at heart.
As the leadership qualities of transparency, authenticity, and empathy are being promoted, there is a quiet drumbeat in the background, a murmur of a question around, “How do these leadership traits help drive business results?” A fair question. The data is out there in spades. If you need proof, I recommend the following:
Authentic Leadership: What It Is, Why It Matters
How Authentic Leadership Can Be Good For Business
EY 2021 Empathy In Business Survey
I bet you thought I was going to throw out a list of Brene Brown resources, right? She is the preeminent authority on this topic, so I would be remiss if I didn’t include a link to her ground-breaking TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability from 2010.
The next time you find yourself wondering, “Why is this on LinkedIn” maybe try asking yourself, “What can I learn from or relate to in this post?” While someone else’s journey might not be your own, you just might discover a nugget of personal insight and growth – if you are open to seeing it.
