🧐Scrutiny and Judgement: The Unseen Challenges of Leadership (3min read)

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🎥 Living Under the Spotlight

Imagine being a public figure, constantly under the watchful eyes of the press and the public. Every holiday, every public appearance, every decision is scrutinized and often criticized. Exhausting, isn't it? But this isn't just the reality for celebrities or politicians. It's also the reality for those in positions of power in the workplace. 🏢

As you climb the corporate ladder, you'll find that senior positions invite more scrutiny from your colleagues. You're no longer just a contributor to a team, you become a representative of the team. In good times, you're the embodiment of success. In bad times, you're the target of blame. 🎯

👀 The Double-Edged Sword of Visibility

Visibility in leadership roles can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can be fantastic during times of success, making you the living embodiment of all that is wonderful and successful. On the other hand, during challenging times, you may find fingers pointed at you, despite the fact that the current situation is the result of a collective effort, not just one person's actions. 🔄

🤷‍♂️ Being Human in a Leadership Role

As a leader, you might be tempted to compartmentalize your personality into your "work" self and your "home" self. But this can lead to exhaustion and a feeling of living a double life. The truth is, you can't be a perfect embodiment of your role. You can only be you, with all your strengths and weaknesses. 🧩

🔄 Scrutiny: A Two-Way Street

Scrutiny isn't a one-way street. As a leader, you'll face scrutiny from those who report to you, and you'll also scrutinize those to whom you report. This scrutiny can lead to a range of emotions, from kindness and understanding to resentment and mutiny. 🌪️

🤝 Navigating the Waters of Scrutiny

So, how do you navigate these choppy waters? The key is open and honest communication. Be ready to have conversations that challenge how your direct reports feel towards you and dig into why that is. And remember to apply the same empathy and respect to those above you in the organization. 🗣️

In conclusion, being a leader increases your visibility for both good and bad reasons. You can be the proud figurehead for recent success, but you can also be subject to scrutiny and judgement due to particular standards that others hold you to. Remember, you're only human, and it's okay to make mistakes. The key is to communicate openly, empathize with others, and always strive to improve. 🌈