Okay, so we know team sports should be banned, cake is apparently a health food, and now how being a ‘flasher’ can transform your leadership?
Stay with me. 🤓
💬 Meet John.
Finance Manager in local government. Twenty-plus years in the job. Smart. Loyal. Old-school. But… his team didn’t trust him, didn’t connect with him, and performance was tanking. His GM basically said, “Help him, or he’s out.” No pressure.
When I first met John, he was polite but guarded. The “I’m the boss, you do as I say” type. So instead of diving into leadership frameworks, I asked about him — the person, not the job title.
Instant wall. 🚧
But I kept gently digging… and about 30 minutes in, John started crying (yes, this guarded leader, started to cry. Not sure who was more surprised - me or him) and yet it was so powerful.
His wife was seriously ill. He was carrying it alone. And what was harder: his team had absolutely no idea. 🤯
When I asked why he hadn’t told them, he said, shocked: “Because I’m their leader. They can’t see me weak.”
🚨 And herein lies the problem!
John's team simply could not and did not connect with him - he seemed invincible. This invisible wall was the barrier to connection.
People connect with people who feel familiar, relatable and human. 💯
So I gave him one challenge: “Share one personal thing with your team. Just one. Whatever feels safe.”
Whilst simple for many people, this was a huge challenge for John.
Fast-forward eight months… I run into his GM at a conference who practically tackles me: “What did you DO to John? He’s a different man. His team loves him. They’re flying.”
The reality? I didn’t do anything. John did.
John flashed them. 💯✨
Not literally — but emotionally. He let his guard down.
He chose to be vulnerable. Vulnerability builds trust. Trust is the cornerstone of connection. 💕
So yes — sometimes we need to be willing to expose ourselves if we want to connect. Show your true self - warts, worries, wins and all.
The risk far outweighs the rewards of experiencing true connection. 💯
Actionable Tips:
💯 Share your authentic self: Let people see your emotions, beliefs, struggles — not just the polished leader version.
🎁 Give before you receive: Support, help, insight — no strings attached.
🪞 Model what you want: Ask for feedback. Be humble. Show curiosity.
🙏 Express gratitude often: Be specific, be generous, be public when appropriate.
📚 Share knowledge: Books, articles, lessons learned — keep learning communal.
⏰ Give quality time: Listen deeply. Be present. Support emotionally.
What’s one small “flash” you could share with your team this week that might shift everything? 🤔
You want to know more about how Blythe creates meaningful connections? ✨
👉 Check out Blythe’s LinkedIn profile to read more articles and blogs!
