Understanding the shadow side of leadership

We all create shadows, it happens whenever light is blocked.  As leaders the main "blocker" of light is stress.

Stress has been defined as the body's reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response.

So if we are adjusting to any form of change we are probably experiencing some form of stress.  The more stress we experience the more "light" is blocked and the more likely we are to encounter our "shadow".

What can we expect to find in the dark that is not present to us in the light?

The Hogan Development Survey (HDS) used by Kairos in coaching leaders, explores 11 such shadows.  All of them represent a present strength which under stress can cast a shadow in our leadership.  So confidence can become arrogance, due caution turns into risk averse-ness , charisma can become overly elaborate, diligence can morph into perfectionism, enthusiasm becomes intensity, tolerance can become stubborness and the persuasive can become manipulative.  Creativity transforms into impulsiveness and the affable become overly conforming. The hard to fool become cynically suspiscious and the self sufficient can become indifferent.

Understanding what causes stress- the "blocks" and be-friending our shadow enables us to develop strategies to prevent our leadership being de-railed at worst or undermined at best.

Our shadow is a reflection of our best qualities that have become "blocked" by stress.  In the absence of a stress free life, understanding our shadow is probably one of the best acts of self leadership that we can exercise as well as creating the necessary light to mitigate its shadowy effects.

If you would like to explore your "shadow" side contact tania.west@kairosld.com