Messiness in Leadership: The Unexpected Link to Kindness and Wellbeing

Spreading smiles

Introduction

"I am messy and I believe wholeheartedly in taking messy action."

Imagine a leader standing before their team, not with a meticulously polished plan, but with the raw honesty of someone who embraces their imperfections. That's me. I acknowledge the chaos, the mistakes, and the uncertainty that come with real-life leadership. I thrive in it, even when everything is falling apart. This is the essence of messy leadership—an approach that's as human as it gets, unpredictably vibrant, and profoundly transformative.

Messiness in leadership isn't about being chaotic or disorganized. It's about recognizing and accepting the complexity of human emotions, diverse perspectives, and the inevitable obstacles that arise. It's about understanding that not everything will go according to plan—and that's okay. By embracing this messiness, I’ve found a way to lead with more empathy, resilience, and, most importantly, kindness.

When I let go of the need for perfection, I became more approachable and relatable. My authenticity fostered a culture of kindness and respect. My team saw my challenges and failures and felt empowered to share their own. They saw that vulnerability was not a weakness but a strength—a way to connect, support, and thrive together.

In all its messy glory, leadership taught me that true strength lies in our ability to adapt, be kind, and lead with our hearts wide open. It’s a path that's not for everyone, but for those who dare to embrace it, the rewards are immeasurable.

Photo by Ricardo Viana on Unsplash