[S1 #33 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership with Robin Camarote] [About Robin Camarote] I got a job in a big management consulting firm after college, and I loved it. For the first decade, I steadily climbed the corporate ladder. My management style- a kind of benevolent dictatorship- seemed to be holding up as I got more experience on increasingly bigger projects. Finally, I won a big promotion.
With it, I got a new team assigned to me. I went from peer to boss overnight. The heat was on, but I was too busy being busy to realize what was happening. When I called my first meeting after the promotion, I felt particularly overwhelmed.
I felt that explaining why I wanted things my way to my new team slowed us down. Under increasing pressure, my management style shifted from a caring, benevolent dictator to a dictator – plain and simple. Honestly, looking back, I was mean. Certainly, without intending to, I’d become the world’s worst manager.
There were warning signs. There was pushback. The team pointed out problems and asked for changes. And I resented them for wasting my time. Then, one Friday afternoon, half of my team quit. 10 people out of 20.
As the last one walked out, I knew what was about to happen. I started to cry. Like an ugly cry. I had failed big time and hurt a number of people in the process. I put my face down on my desk. The tears made my cheek stick to all the papers and post-it notes. At that moment, suctioned to the desktop, I decided that I was going to be a good manager.
Figuring out what “being a good manager” meant has taken me on a 15+ year journey of learning, coaching, practice, and second chances that I’ll forever be grateful for. That moment changed the trajectory of my career. And the core of what I learned is this truth. No one wants to be managed.
People want to lead and be led. We must fundamentally rethink how we’re organized and how work gets done. We must lead the people, manage the work, and own our outcomes. Together.
Biography Robin Camarote is a leadership trainer and executive coach. She has 20+ years of experience in leadership development, strategic planning, and workplace transformation. She loves high-energy, engaging conversations and delivers programs that help her clients boost their team’s engagement, confidence, and productivity while reducing friction and frustration. She writes a column on leadership for Inc.com, is a published author, and TEDx speaker.
In this episode, we talked about: 1. Bite Size Leadership Training 2. Empathy in Leadership 3. Building Confidence 4. Strategies for Confidence Building 5. Gaining Buy-In from Senior Leaders You can check out Robin's website here -- https://www.robincamarote.com/leadershipforall , based on the concept that "the rising tide lifts all boats. Her Leadership for All development and coaching program benefits both individuals and organizations by helping everyone develop strong leadership skills, regardless of their current role or level of experience. This mindset and shift in action results in improved communication, collaboration, and decision-making abilities, and ultimately, better organizational outcomes. Links: Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicolette-j-nierras Instagram https://www.instagram.com/youre_worthy_podcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thenicnierraspodcast Channel details https://www.youtube.com/@YoureWorthyPodcast