by Nicola
Middlemiss 29 Nov 2019
Brokers who still rely on traditionally ‘alpha’
behaviour may want to reconsider their approach, after a renowned leadership
coach called the tactic outdated and ineffective.
“In a world where change uncertainty and
disruption are the norm, one or a few leaders at the top can no longer have all
the answers,” said Megumi Miki, founder of Quietly Powerful – an organisation
which helps talented but more reserved professionals to succeed on their own
terms.
“We need leaders who can tap into the collective
wisdom, those who create space, psychological safety and openness to
challenge,” Miki told Insurance Business. “We are also facing
greater complexity, including multicultural contexts, where listening to
understand is far more effective than telling and thinking we know the way.”
For brokers who are leading their own teams or
organisations, Miki warned that sticking rigidly to the traditionally ‘alpha’
approach could have a serious detrimental impact.
“When ‘alpha’ and ‘hero’ leaders take charge,
they risk disempowering and disengaging people who may actually have relevant
knowledge and better solutions,” she said. “This is also unhelpful where there
is a talent shortage, as talented people want to have a say and contribute
their best.”
Miki also urged brokers not to over-value the
confident alpha leaders who sit above them in the workplace, as it could
contribute to the misuse of power.
“Followers may overlook the misuse of power due
to the belief that these leaders could do no wrong – psychologists call this
the ‘awestruck effect’ – or they may be too fearful to raise the issues,” she
said.
In contrast, Miki said more recognition and
support needs to be given to quieter leaders, who often go overlooked despite
demonstrating many desirable traits.
“When quiet leaders use their quiet nature well
– such as deep listening, being other-focused and reflection – they build
stronger relationships, solve complex problems, influence and lead in more
inclusive ways and enable groups of people to achieve outcomes together,” she
said.
While the ‘alpha’ leader tends to shut out the
potential for growth in others, being quieter can actually create space for
people around to step up and lead, said Miki.
“Due to their understated, humble nature,
quieter leaders will happily share the limelight and power rather than be at
the centre,” she told Insurance Business. “They often only take up
leadership positions because of a compelling purpose rather than to gain
attention, control or power.”
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