The Subtle Art of Leadership Wokeness: Awareness with Impact

Visit any bookshop (of the virtual or bricks-and-mortar kind) and you’re likely to find the “shelves” grimacing under the weight and sheer volume of material covering the broad topic of “Leadership”.

You know that old saying “Opinions are like _________ (you know it, so I’m not going to say it 😉) – everybody has one”? Well, the same could be said about the number of people who have written about (or have been included around) the topic! From the notorious to the infamous, from the legendary to the inspirational, from the good, to the bad, to the downright ugly and evil, “leadership lessons” can be found everywhere!

In a world where woke culture is both a battleground and a buzzword, some might say that “Leadership isn’t what it used to be”, but I see it a little differently. Leadership styles might have changed and evolved, but, to me, the basic principles of leadership remain consistent.

So brace yourself: We’re about to get brutally honest (apologies to the snowflakes out there who might feel offended with the use of the word “brutal”). Let’s tear down outdated myths and take a look at things through a different lens.

Myth #1: Wokeness Equals Weakness

The Myth: Being woke is for the weak. Leaders who prioritise empathy and inclusivity are dismissed as spineless.

The Reality: Get real: Leadership is about connecting with people, not dominating them. Empathy and inclusivity aren’t weaknesses; they’re superpowers. Take Elon Musk—controversial yet undeniably effective. He leverages emotional intelligence to inspire innovation at Tesla and SpaceX. If you think being woke means you are weak, you’re missing the point of leadership.

Myth #2: Leaders Must Be All-Knowing

The Myth: A real leader has all the answers. If you don’t, you’re unfit to lead.

The Reality: Here’s a reality check: No one (human) knows everything, and pretending otherwise is a fast track to failure. Effective leaders are curious, not omniscient. Look at @Reed Hastings of Netflix, who cultivates a culture of learning and innovation by asking questions and valuing diverse opinions. Being a know-it-all is outdated—being a learn-it-all is the future.

Myth #3: Wokeness Is Just a Trend

The Myth: Wokeness is a passing fad. Real leaders shouldn’t waste time adapting to it.

The Reality: Think wokeness is just a trend? You’re living in the past. Understanding and adapting to societal shifts is crucial for staying relevant. Patagonia’s (that’s the brand and not the region in South America) Yvon Chouinard is a prime example—championing environmental causes not just because it’s ethical but because it’s smart business. Embracing wokeness attracts top talent, fosters innovation, and ensures long-term success. Ignore it, and you’ll be left in the dust.

Myth #4: Leadership Is About Command and Control

The Myth: The best leaders are authoritarian, maintaining strict control over their teams. Command and control are the keys to respect and productivity.

The Reality: Wake up: The command-and-control model is obsolete. Today’s most successful leaders empower their teams and create environments of trust and autonomy. Look at Amazon, where a culture of freedom and responsibility drives creativity and success. Real leaders inspire and guide rather than intimidate and dictate. If you’re still trying to rule with an iron fist, you’re in the wrong century.

Myth #5: Woke Leaders Can’t Make Tough Decisions

The Myth: Woke leaders are too cautious and can’t make hard decisions. Being overly considerate and inclusive means you’ll never take decisive action.

The Reality: Here’s the harsh truth: Being woke doesn’t mean you’re indecisive. It means you make decisions with integrity and a broader perspective. Steve Jobs, for all his flaws, made tough decisions while maintaining a vision that changed the world. True leadership wokeness is about aligning tough choices with core values and long-term vision.

Conclusion: Embrace the Subtle Art

Leadership wokeness isn’t about pandering to political correctness. It’s about evolving and leading with empathy, inclusivity, and strategic insight. Strength doesn’t lie in rigidity; it lies in adaptability and understanding. Whether you like the term “woke” or not, the principles behind it—compassion, inclusivity, and strategic adaptability—are essential for any leader who wants to thrive today.

So, ditch the outdated myths and embrace the subtle art of leadership wokeness. It’s not just the future—it’s the now. If you’re not ready to get with the program, step aside and make way for those who are.