From Hiding to Thriving: Ruth Rathblott’s Insights on Transformative Leadership
After reading her insightful book on the power of belonging in the workplace, I invited Ruth Rathblott to have a conversation I could share on this blog and on the podcast.
Ruth highlighted the evolving landscape of leadership in the workplace, pointing out a key generational shift that has redefined how we approach leadership.
Traditionally, older leaders adopted a more hierarchical, rigid approach. However, the younger generation demands transparency and genuine connection—a trend magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. For leaders, this shift signifies an opportunity to harness authenticity and reshape workplace cultures to prioritize human connections over rigid structures. It’s a call to evolve and adapt, creating spaces that not only respect authority but also nurture trust and openness.
One of the most compelling parts of our discussion was Ruth’s introduction of "strategic hiding." This concept struck a deep chord as it encapsulated the delicate dance many of us perform daily—deciding when it’s safe and beneficial to reveal personal aspects at work. Full disclosure isn't always safe, and understanding this nuance can help women navigate their professional environments without sacrificing their mental well-being.
It’s a form of self-protection, a way to maintain equilibrium in often unpredictable workplace dynamics. This notion of balancing authenticity with professional expectations felt particularly resonant, reminiscent of numerous times in my journey when showcasing my true self felt like walking a precarious tightrope.
In the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Ruth emphasized the indispensable role of self-awareness. I shared an experience from my social work days, shedding light on how unconscious bias creeps into our interactions and decisions. Ruth pointed out that self-awareness is the cornerstone of effective DEI practices.
Understanding our differences is vital for truly understanding others, and as female entrepreneurs, being conscious of our biases can profoundly impact how we lead and support diverse teams. It's an essential step toward fostering a more inclusive and vibrant workplace where everyone feels valued and understood.
Our conversation then turned to the elusive trait of vulnerability in leadership. Ruth and I pondered why vulnerability remains rare among leaders, often held back by the fear of overexposure and lack of trust. Yet, Ruth argued passionately that vulnerability can foster deep connection, showing the human side of leadership.
For female entrepreneurs in particular, embracing vulnerability might be the very key to establishing workplaces where authenticity and trust flourish. It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to bring their whole selves to work, thereby enhancing creativity, collaboration, and overall team morale.
The critical role of trust within teams cannot be overstated. Ruth recounted a poignant example of a leader’s inability to reveal personal aspects due to distrust, sparking an intense conversation on how trust serves as a cornerstone for a connected workplace.
For female founders and entrepreneurs, fostering an environment where trust is prioritized can be crucial in enhancing team dynamics and productivity. It’s about more than just business results; it’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and ready to contribute their best.
Ruth’s framework for "hiding" was particularly enlightening. She identified four types of individuals: those who know they hide due to fear of rejection, the curious wanderers who wonder if they hide, the open book sharers who curate their narratives despite seeming transparent, and the fortresses who question the necessity of unhiding personal aspects at work.
Understanding these categories can help female entrepreneurs recognize their tendencies and navigate their paths toward authenticity more effectively. It's a map for self-discovery, guiding us toward more genuine and fulfilling professional lives.
Ruth also shared a profound insight on how curiosity can mitigate the sting of rejection. By creating intentional pauses and fostering understanding, we can better navigate negative feedback and setbacks. This approach resonated deeply, especially given my own journey with ADHD, where moments of rejection often felt magnified.
Ruth spoke eloquently about the transformative power of unveiling our authentic selves to build genuine connections. Sharing personal stories can initiate mutual sharing, fostering deeper, more meaningful interactions. This act of unhiding doesn’t just benefit us; it also helps those around us feel seen and understood—a crucial aspect of leadership for female entrepreneurs. It's about creating a culture of openness and trust, where everyone feels empowered to share their true selves.
Ruth emphasized the immense importance of creating supportive spaces where individuals can truly bring their best selves to work. For female entrepreneurs, this means cultivating environments that support personal growth and the rewriting of personal narratives. It’s not just about being authentic; it’s about enabling individuals to seek support, thrive, and contribute their unique strengths to the team.
Ultimately, Ruth’s message was clear: self-acceptance and authenticity lead to more connected and humane workplaces. For female leaders embracing our true selves—flaws and all—can transform not only our professional lives but also how we lead and inspire others. It's a journey toward a more inclusive, empathetic, and effective business landscape, where everyone’s unique contributions are valued.
As our conversation came to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the shared journey of female entrepreneurs navigating the intricate dance of belonging and fitting in. Embracing authenticity, fostering trust, and continuously striving for self-awareness are steps toward creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. So, dear listeners and readers, as you continue your entrepreneurial journey, remember—every step toward authenticity, every act of vulnerability, and every effort to foster genuine connections will contribute to a more inclusive, connected, and empowering business landscape.
Until next time, keep unhiding, keep connecting, and keep leading with authenticity.
Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram @coachdiannwingert or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on the ADHD-ish Podcast, you can do that here.