How surrender helped MLK Jr. find the peace to carry on

Choose authenticity over image to be a great leader | These red flags mean your leadership is weak | How surrender helped MLK Jr. find the peace to carry on Created for {EMAIL} | [{NAME}]( at [{NAME}]( [For more relevant content - Update Your Profile]( | [Web Version]( January 12, 2023 CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [SmartBrief on Leadership]( Innovative Ideas. Ahead of the Curve. [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [SHARE](  [] Leading the Way [] [Choose authenticity over image to be a great leader]( [Choose authenticity over image to be a great leader]( (Pixabay) Leaders who voluntarily share their weaknesses with others -- particularly high-level leaders -- were seen as more authentic, as well as competent, trustworthy and approachable, according to a study. "We found that these benefits of self-disclosure of weaknesses were restricted to relatable human foibles -- they did not hold for disclosure of serious flaws, such as having a panic attack in a speech," the researchers wrote. Put it into practice: Frequently share stories with your team about moments of doubt or fear that you know is a common experience to build trust around shared challenges. Avoid talking about ethical lapses or other serious mistakes you may have made in your past, though. Full Story: [Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model)]( (1/11) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] [These red flags mean your leadership is weak]( Weak leaders are those who provide little guidance, support, accountability, respect or growth and development for their teams, writes Lolly Daskal, which can lead to disengaged and disenchanted employees. "By recognizing and addressing these warning signs, you can help your leader go from weakness to strength," Daskal writes. Put it into practice: Don't let the red flags of weak leadership go unremarked. When you see them, seek to tactfully address them with your boss, and don't be afraid to take it up the chain if need be. Full Story: [Lolly Daskal]( (1/11) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] SmartBrief on Leadership [] [How surrender helped MLK Jr. find the peace to carry on]( [How surrender helped MLK Jr. find the peace to carry on]( King (center) giving his famous speech at the Lincoln Memorial. (Getty Images) As the pressures of the civil rights struggle took its toll on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he felt overcome by fear and contemplated quitting, but in a moment of surrender, King found renewed strength to carry on his mission, Joel Garfinkle says in this video and blog post. "Strive to find that place of calm as you confront your greatest challenges, because it will allow you to hear that inner voice that guides you every step of the way," Garfinkle says. Put it into practice: Whenever you feel at the end of your rope in a given situation, King's example of releasing it to a higher power shows that this can bring you a sense of calm assurance that though the outward circumstances may not change, your inward strength to handle them can be renewed. Full Story: [SmartBrief/Leadership]( (1/11) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] [Read more]( from Joel Garfinkle on SmartBrief on Leadership [] Smarter Communication [] [6 ways to take in feedback, even when it seems harsh]( [6 ways to take in feedback, even when it seems harsh]( (Getty Images) Make it easier to take in feedback that can feel hurtful by shoring up your own feelings of worth and safety in the workplace and looking for the kernel of truth lurking within even the harshest comment, writes Brittney Maxfield. "When you're ready and it's appropriate, engage with the person who shared the feedback and acknowledge what you heard, what you accept, and what you'll commit to do," Maxfield writes. Put it into practice: Do your own hard work up front by building the inner resilience and self-worth you need so you can find the value in even the most brutal feedback. Some may mean to hurt you with their words, but the ability to hear their deeper message may be just what you need to improve yourself. Full Story: [Crucial Learning]( (1/11) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( Free eBooks and Resources Free eBooks and resources brought to you by our sponsors - [Quick Reference Guide – Microsoft Excel 2021 Advanced Guide]( - [The Ultimate Guide to Developing Self-Discipline]( - [Public Speaking at Work]( - [Tips & Tricks Guide – Career Planning – Why It's Essential for Your Success]( [] Future of Work Your work future could include ... [] - [More of your co-workers could soon be bots]( People Management (1/11) [] - [You'll need these skills to excel in the workplace of the future]( World Economic Forum (1/10) [] - [Is "quiet hiring" just a new name for an old tactic?]( Fortune (tiered subscription model) (1/10) [] In Their Own Words [] [Sanofi CEO: Why leaders must keep a sense of humor]( Paul Hudson, CEO of pharma company Sanofi, says he lives by the principles of treating others as he wants to be treated and seeking to stay grounded and humble, all while working to meet the demands of employees and customers who rely on its products, which is why he adds that it's good for leaders to have a sense of humor. "Don't take yourself seriously, but do your absolute best every day with your work," Hudson says. Full Story: [McKinsey]( (1/11) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Daily Diversion [] [Broke your Wordle winning streak? The editor does care]( [Broke your Wordle winning streak? The editor does care]( (Shutterstock) If you have had your Wordle streak broken by some obtuse word of the day, Tracy Bennett, the game's editor, has heard your complaints and says unfamiliar words such as "parer" and regional words such as "Rupee" trip up players the most. "People don't like when a word feels unfair in that way that you have four letters in place, and there are still a lot of letters that could complete that word," Bennett says. Full Story: [Today]( (1/9) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] About The Editor [] Candace Chellew Candace Chellew Candace Chellew When I worked as an associate producer at an Atlanta TV station, I asked my station manager for a raise. He smirked and leaned forward on his desk and said, "Raise? You're lucky to have a job!" The words stung, of course. I had worked on the morning show for a couple of years at the same salary and had good reviews from supervisors and peers, so I wasn't sure where his blunt feedback came from. However, I did have [what Brittney Maxfield writes about](: I knew my worth and I knew I could easily find another job. So, I did. I turned in my resignation two weeks later and compiled so much freelance work that I eventually took another full-time job to get some rest! What about you? What's the most stinging feedback you've received and how did you handle it? How have you built up your own resilience to the point where you know you're good at what you do and not just "lucky to have a job"? [Tell me about it](mailto:candace.chellew@futurenet.com). If this newsletter helps you, please tell your colleagues, friends or anyone who can benefit. Forward them this email, or [send this link](. What topics do you see in your daily work that I should know about? Do you have praise? Criticism? [Drop me a note](mailto:candace.chellew@futurenet.com). And don't forget to send me photos of your pets, your office and where you spend your time off. 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