How to be more approachable

Ever feel intimidated by the "put-together" leaders around you? You know, the ones who appear perfectly poised and confident in all settings. I know I do.

Whether we realize it or not, we can all come across as a little intimidating at times. While sometimes this works in our favor, it can also very quickly create unwanted barriers.

I believe one of the greatest superpowers a leader can possess is the ability to come across as exceedingly approachable. In this video, I'll share my best strategy for getting there.

• Read the video transcript

  I've been going to the same gym for a while now. It's a bootcamp style workout and I love it. Every single day they design a new workout. The coaches manage the timer. They just tell me exactly what to do the whole time, and I do it and it's great.

  Now at the gym, this gym is a place where there is a strong sense of community, a lot of down to earth people. And I love that about this place. But we all know when you come into the gym in the morning, there are those of us who have just rolled out of bed, barely pulled their hair back, maybe hopefully brushed our teeth and put some deodorant on, but we're not looking too great when we walk in that door, right? And then there are those who walk in looking absolutely stunning, totally put together, cute workout outfit, hair done, makeup on, right? And, and it's just, there's some variety there.

  And I have to admit, those individuals at the gym who show up looking just perfect upfront... At first, I feel intimidated by them and I feel hesitant to go and engage. And the reason I share this is because it's our imperfections that actually draw people in and that make them feel comfortable with us.

  And so if at work you are a professional who shows up too professional, you show up just kind of perfectly packaged, you come across as you've got it all together, you may be missing out on opportunity to build some genuine, healthy connection with your direct reports and with your colleagues. When we come across too perfect, we put up a barrier between us and them, and they don't feel as safe to ask the stupid question or to share the idea or to let down their guard.

  And so I want to encourage you to embrace your imperfections, to show some vulnerability, to engage with others in an unguarded way that really draws them in and builds some healthy connection.