With the instability in the European economy, the political unrest in many places around the world and the struggling leadership at home…. it could be argued Leadership development is one of the most needed focuses of our time.

A word of caution: In this the new economy, the old form of leadership just won’t work. We are now called to become Authentic Leaders. 

As an Authentic Leader, it’s important for us to have a sense of humor, most of all about ourselves.

As you probably know, much of the old model for leadership implied that instead of leaving your ego at the door, (which would be a very good idea) you were required to leave your sense of humor there. And despite what you may have heard this is extremely detrimental to not only the leader, but potentially to the bottom line.

All too often people in the leadership role are running some version of “Do you have any idea how important I think I am?”

Virgin Airlines

Here’s a great example:

A crowded Virgin flight was cancelled after Virgin’s 767s had been withdrawn from service.

A single attendant was re-booking a long line of inconvenienced travelers.

Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, ‘I HAVE to be on this flight and it HAS to be FIRST CLASS’.

The attendant replied, ‘I’m sorry, sir. I’ll be happy to try to help you, but I’ve got to help these people first, and I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out.’

The passenger was clearly unimpressed.

He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, ‘DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?’

Without hesitating, the attendant smiled and grabbed her public address microphone:

“May I have your attention please… may I have your attention please,” she began – her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal.

“We have a passenger here at gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to gate 14″

With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically, the man glared at the Virgin attendant, gritted his teeth and said,

“F*%k You!” Without flinching, she smiled and said,  “I’m sorry, sir, but you’ll have to get in line for that too”

Back to what I was saying… The authentic leader must be able to laugh at themselves.  It’s imperative that you notice when you get too serious, and have enough self awareness to keep things in a healthy perspective.

Branson in drag

Here’s the most important part… The reason I bring up this very funny and thought provoking example is because Virgin™ is a great example of Corporate Cultural Momentum that is clearly held in place by having a leader I genuinely admire Richard Branson. One of the reasons I admire him is because he doesn’t take himself or his position too seriously.

The irony in all of this is that the old world leaders believe a sense of humor would lower profits.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg, in the upcoming episode of Dov Baron’s Accidental Guru Show I am my own guest expert and if you want a deeper understanding of the power and need for Authentic Leadership in the new economy and what Corporate Cultural Momentum is you are going to love this episode.

Simply go here to find out details: http://radiodov.com/leadership/dov-baron-accidental-guru-radio-show-june-28/

I trust that you found this article valuable, if so feel free to send this to your friends.

I eagerly anticipate your feedback and comments. Please share, like and comment below!

With gratitude,

Dov Baron Speaks internationally on leadership in the new economy. He is the Leading expert on Authentic Leadership and is the world’s Only Corporate Cultural Strategist. To bring Dov in to speak to your group or organization please contact Baron Mastery at +1 604 436 2063

P.S. Have you heard “The Accidental Guru” Radio Show yet? The Very Best in Personal and Professional Leadership. Dov is the Host and Executive producer every Thursday Morning from 10:00 AM (PST) 1:00PM (EST) Details are at: http://radiodov.com

 

 

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