To anyone who works with me—this is for you.
This past week—beginning with my well-planned start to the year unravelling spectacularly at 7:05 a.m. on Monday, September 1st—has been a whirlwind of unexpected challenges. It’s been a series of unfortunate incidents that make this job both compelling and, at times, maddening. But amidst the chaos, I’ve been reminded that authentic leadership isn’t about the sprint—it’s about the marathon. It’s a journey that demands endurance, vulnerability, and a commitment to growth. This reflection is for anyone who works with me, offering insight into what it means to lead authentically, especially when everything feels like it’s wobbling.
From Sprint to Sustained March
Leadership is often romanticised as a series of grand, heroic gestures—decisive moments that lead to swift victories. The myth of Pheidippides, the Greek messenger who ran a frantic, dying sprint to announce victory, embodies this misconception. This model, while dramatic, often leaves leaders and their teams drained and disillusioned.
In contrast, the historical reality of the marathon offers a richer metaphor. The Athenians didn’t rely on a lone hero; they marched together as a unified army, demonstrating collective strength and shared purpose. This sustained, unified march is a far more accurate representation of authentic leadership—a continuous, deliberate, and profoundly human endeavour. Many of us have felt like Pheidippides—exhausted, overwhelmed, and sprinting toward an elusive finish line. But the truth is, we’re not alone. We are part of a team, a community, and a shared mission. The real work of leadership lies in walking together, even when the path is unclear.
Embracing the Wobble Zone
As we march forward, we inevitably enter what psychologist Carol Dweck might call the “wobble zone”. This is the uncomfortable, uncertain space between our comfort zone and our stretch zone—the place where growth happens. Dweck’s research on mindsets reveals that our beliefs about our abilities shape how we respond to challenges. Those with a fixed mindset see intelligence and talent as static, leading them to fear failure and avoid risk. This is the curse and the first failings of a teacher and a leader. We grow pepole; children and adults alike. We grow ourselves by our contact with people and experiences.
In contrast, those with a growth mindset understand that abilities can be cultivated through effort and perseverance.
The wobble zone is where authentic leadership is tested. It’s where mistakes are made, self-doubt creeps in, and the temptation to revert to old habits—such as micromanagement or a lack of transparency—is strongest. But it is also where transformation begins. An authentic leader doesn’t shy away from the wobble zone; they lean into it. They use discomfort as a catalyst for reflection, connection, and renewal. This means acknowledging fatigue, showing vulnerability, and engaging transparently with the team. It means saying, “This week was hard,” and asking, “How do we move forward together?”
A Renewed Commitment to the March
The true work of authentic leadership isn’t about surviving the chaos of a single week; it’s about using those challenges to forge a stronger path forward. As we continue our march together, let’s turn the lessons of the wobble zone into a renewed commitment to our shared journey.
Elevate Intentionality
Instead of simply reacting to challenges, let’s be more intentional about how we lead. This means making a conscious choice to lead from a place of purpose and values, not from a place of fear or exhaustion. When the path is unclear, intentionality allows us to regroup and remember our shared mission.
Combat Complacency
Authentic leadership demands endurance, not comfort. The marathon requires us to continuously move forward, even when it feels difficult. We must actively resist the urge to retreat or become complacent when faced with setbacks. Each wobble is an opportunity to strengthen our resolve and reaffirm our commitment.
Champion Growth
Let’s embrace the wobble zone not as a sign of failure but as the very space where growth happens. By adopting a growth mindset, we can transform mistakes into lessons and self-doubt into a catalyst for positive change. This means celebrating small victories and supporting each other through every misstep.
Inspire Deeper Connections
Finally, the march is a collective effort. Authentic leadership is about walking together, not alone.
By showing vulnerability and transparency, we inspire deeper connections and build a unified community. The victory isn’t about reaching the finish line first; it’s about making sure we all get there together. Let’s continue the march, not as sprinters chasing fleeting victories, but as a community committed to the long road of meaningful leadership.
Finally, it is almost, very nearly Friday, isn’t it?
The Authentic Leader 