Podcast Summary: Coaching for Leaders - Episode 727: How to Show Up Authentically in Tough Situations, with Andrew Brodsky

Introduction

In Episode 727 of Coaching for Leaders, host Dave Stachowiak engages in a profound discussion with Andrew Brodsky, an award-winning professor, management consultant, and expert in virtual communications from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. The episode delves into the complexities of authentic leadership, especially when navigating challenging and high-stakes situations in both virtual and in-person settings.

Key Topics Discussed

1. The Viral Layoff Video: A Case Study in Authenticity Gone Awry

   • Context of the Incident: Andrew Brodsky recounts a notable incident from his book involving a CEO who announced massive layoffs via a Zoom call. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the mortgage industry faced a downturn, this CEO called a video meeting to inform 900 employees of their layoffs.

   • Reception and Fallout: The CEO attempted to convey personal responsibility and vulnerability, stating, “I do not, do not want to do this... This time I hope to be stronger” (02:23). However, employees perceived the gesture as lacking genuine humanity, leading to widespread backlash and the video going viral for all the wrong reasons.

   • Analysis: Brodsky emphasizes that while the CEO's intentions were commendable, the execution faltered due to the impersonal nature of virtual communication, which can inadvertently prioritize the speaker's emotions over the listeners' needs.

2. Emotional Leakage in Communication Modes

   • Understanding Emotional Leakage: Brodsky introduces the concept of emotional and nonverbal leakage—unintentional displays of emotion that can undermine authentic communication. In virtual settings, limited nonverbal cues can make it challenging to convey genuine emotions effectively.

   • Impact of Communication Modes:

     • Video and In-Person: Rich in nonverbal cues but susceptible to unintended emotional leakage.
     • Email and Text: Limited in conveying emotions, often perceived as impersonal or low-effort.
     • Audio-Only (Phone Calls): Strikes a balance by conveying tone without the risk of visual emotional leakage.

3. Research Findings on Optimal Communication Modes

   • Authentic Communication: When aiming for authenticity, richer communication modes like video or in-person interactions are generally preferable as they allow for more nuanced expression (10:19).

   • Service Acting: In situations requiring a facade of positivity or professionalism (e.g., delivering bad news), audio-only interactions emerge as the "sweet spot." They are perceived as more effortful and authentic than text-based methods while minimizing the risk of emotional leakage inherent in video calls.

   • Brainstorming and Idea Generation: Text-based interactions can enhance creativity by allowing participants to contribute ideas independently without the pressure of immediate judgment or groupthink.

4. The Pratfall Effect: Balancing Competence and Relatability

   • Study Overview: Brodsky discusses the pratfall effect, where individuals who display minor flaws or make small mistakes are perceived as more likable without diminishing their perceived competence. For example, a quiz show participant who spills coffee after answering questions correctly was rated as more likable than a flawless participant (27:09).

   • Implications for Leaders: Showing vulnerability or minor imperfections can make leaders more relatable and trustworthy, fostering stronger connections with their teams.

5. Strategies for Authentic Leadership

   • Balancing Self-Impact and Others' Perception: Leaders must weigh the benefits of being authentic against the potential impact on their relationships and organizational dynamics. Authenticity should not come at the expense of professionalism or the well-being of team members.

   • Humanizing Leadership: Sharing relatable, non-critical personal anecdotes or minor mishaps can enhance relatability without undermining authority or competence.

   • Tailoring Communication Modes: Selecting the appropriate mode of communication based on the situation and the preferences of the audience can enhance the effectiveness and authenticity of interactions.

6. Evolving Perspectives on Communication Practices

   • Preference-Based Communication: Brodsky highlights the importance of accommodating individual preferences in communication methods. By asking stakeholders their preferred mode (e.g., phone, video, email), leaders can foster more meaningful and effective interactions (30:40).

   • Inclusivity and Accessibility: Recognizing diverse needs, such as accommodating those with hearing impairments or differing sensory preferences, can enhance engagement and authenticity in leadership.

Notable Quotes

• Andrew Brodsky on Emotional Leakage: “When we're interacting virtually and via video, we don't have the other people standing right in front of us... it's so easy to become self-focused.” (05:11)

• Dave Stachowiak on Authenticity: “Sometimes what feels authentic to me may not seem authentic to the person you're interacting with.” (15:15)

• Andrew Brodsky on the Pratfall Effect: “Making a mistake makes you feel more human, makes you feel more likable.” (27:09)

• Dave Stachowiak on Balancing Authenticity: “You want to show up in the way that you want to.” (29:02)

Conclusions and Takeaways

Andrew Brodsky's insights underscore the nuanced nature of authenticity in leadership. Authenticity is not a one-size-fits-all approach but rather a dynamic balance between genuine self-expression and strategic communication tailored to the context and the audience. Leaders are encouraged to:

• Select Appropriate Communication Modes: Understanding when to use video, audio, or text based on the situation and desired authenticity level.

• Manage Emotional Leakage: Being aware of how unintended emotions can be perceived and striving to align emotional expressions with the intended message.

• Humanize Leadership: Sharing relatable personal experiences to foster trust and connection without compromising professional integrity.

• Prioritize Audience Perception: Considering how messages are received and making efforts to ensure clarity and empathy in communication.

By embracing these strategies, leaders can navigate tough situations more effectively, building stronger, more authentic relationships within their organizations.

Additional Recommendations

For listeners seeking to deepen their understanding of related topics, Dave Stachowiak recommends the following episodes:

1. Episode 590: How to Genuinely Show Up for Others with Marshall Goldsmith – Discusses the concept of singular empathy and being entirely present with others.

2. Episode 643: How to Make a Better Impression on Camera with Mark Bowden – Explores key principles for effective on-camera presence, including body language and mindset.

3. Episode 713: How to Grow from Feedback with Jennifer Garvey Berger – Examines the two-way nature of feedback and the importance of dialogue in tough situations.

These episodes are accessible through the Coaching for Leaders website, where listeners can also join a free membership to access the entire leadership and management library.

Closing Remarks

In navigating the delicate balance between authenticity and professionalism, leaders must be strategic and empathetic in their communication approaches. Andrew Brodsky’s expertise provides valuable frameworks for understanding how authenticity can be authentically expressed, ensuring that leaders can maintain their integrity while effectively leading their organizations through challenging times.