Super TUESDAY Insights: Challenging the Illusion of Insecurity in Leadership
“I came like water, and like Wind I go." - Omar Khayyam
By Christopher SJ Ellis, Vera Omnia Aperta
@trainerterryjones Trainer Terry Jones, your recent reel, ‘Never Outshine Your Insecure Boss or Manager,’ beautifully amplifies a critical truth for #SuperTUESDAY: the distinction between insecure and truly effective leadership. This resonates profoundly with Eric Partaker's powerful post on LinkedIn, which rightly asserts: "Insecure Leaders surround themselves with 'yes people.' Effective leaders surround themselves with people who challenge them."
This instantly evoked for me the timeless childhood tale of The Emperor's New Clothes, a narrative mirrored sharply in adulthood across our business landscapes, community structures, and political spheres. Why, indeed, do we so often trade unvarnished truth for comfortable illusion? Such choices, born from fear, invariably lead to failed projects, disillusioned teams, and an erosion of foundational trust.
Genuine self-awareness and courageous leadership are not mere soft skills; they are invaluable currencies. Illusions may dazzle momentarily, but their glitter quickly fades, taking with them trust, clear direction, and genuine impact. This serves as a stark call to leaders at all levels: walk in authenticity. Be willing to shed what no longer serves the collective vision. Speak with clarity, act with integrity, and move with intentional purpose. Stand resolutely in truth, lead with unwavering courage, and build with profound purpose. That is where real vision takes root and lasting value truly lives. As the untainted child bravely revealed, "But he isn’t wearing anything at all!" May we all possess the clarity and courage to embody that voice.
The challenge of reducing oneself to serve the ego or insecurities of others is immense pressure. My upcoming book, 'Going Beyond, a journey in acts of faith to challenging the change: A guide in cultivating a life of abundance,' delves deeply into navigating such toxic dynamics while remaining resolutely focused and at the pinnacle of one's professional integrity. To settle for mediocre behaviour is to sign away one's individualism; it is, quite frankly, a mental death. I am in awe of the new crop of well-cultivated young minds gracing our professional scenes, already leading from the front, declaring boldly that "enough is enough." They aren't playing the old game; they've kicked off on their own, and with all my diverse talents, I am pleased to be a lifelong student in their university of authenticity.
Allow me to share a brief, formative excerpt from my own journey:
“There was a time in my life as a student, while attending Titchfield High School, when a particular teacher, who harboured a long-standing issue with my now-late father, also displayed marked insecurity around me as a child. She opted to behave unprofessionally towards both me and the entire 7A Class of 1996's First Formers, where I served as Class Representative. Each class period became a series of actions aimed at me. This was, in fact, the first time I had faced such direct adversity from an adult and a public servant of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture.
Back then, I was already a force to be reckoned with, instilled with courage and flair by my own parents. When a fellow student, Ms. Thorpe, came to me and expressed her sadness over what was unfolding, I realized that while my own nascent emotional intelligence (compliments of my now-late mother) allowed me to recognize the signs of the teacher's internal struggles, I hadn't fully grasped how much her own insecurity, projected onto me, was impacting on the lives of the entire class. So, I made the typical 'Saint John' move: I wrote a letter to the principal after counsel with my attorney, and the rest, as they say, is history. One could remark that Mr. Ellis's grandson not only possesses a good aim as a marksman but can act justly and swiftly with the pen — so, be very careful.”
I share this excerpt to emphasize a crucial point: if a pre-teenager of the 1990s refused to accept insecurity or succumb to unfairness, why should working professionals and practitioners today accept mediocrity? Yes, we all seek financial security. However, if you find yourself within an organization or a societal framework that is easily unsettled by the very talents and capabilities that could truly scale a business or propel a project to stardom and great success, then it is high time to spin the wheel on your life. It's time to lead the change you truly wish to experience, not just for us, but for the wider society and the generations to come. Accepting a career path filled with regrets and subdued actions is a direct recipe for mental illness, disassociated cognitive disorders, and other profound challenges.
Take it from me: choosing to be authentic and to resolutely grab hold of your targeted objectives affords its own unparalleled reward, far greater than being shackled to a life denied of your immense potential. Be unapologetic if you must but never lower your standards. There are a myriad of opportunities simply waiting for us to truly achieve our destined purpose and share our unparalleled talents and capabilities with the wider world.
As Ichiro Kishimi wisely states in his book, 'The Courage to Be Disliked':