Why Feeling Awkward Builds Better Leaders
Briefly

The article explores how authentic leadership development often emerges from experiences that evoke discomfort and humility, particularly in cross-cultural contexts. The author's formative journeys, beginning at age 11 in India, reveal how exposure to significant global challenges cultivates empathy, resilience, and a deeper understanding of leadership. The narrative emphasizes the critical importance of the 70-20-10 model of learning, which argues that a majority of leadership growth occurs through practical experiences rather than classroom instruction. Ultimately, the author champions humility as the foundation for true influence and effective leadership.
Leadership growth often starts with feeling awkward and out of depth, fostering humility and resilience through challenging cross-cultural experiences.
Real influence stems from humility, not bravado; true leadership is rooted in learning from uncomfortable situations rather than possessing all the answers.
Cross-cultural experiences profoundly shape leaders by forcing them to confront discomfort, leading to greater empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.
The 70-20-10 model highlights that real leadership learning predominantly occurs outside traditional educational settings, emphasizing experiential learning as essential.
Read at Psychology Today
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