Glass Leaders in Iron Suits
There are leaders who act like they have all the answers. They make bold, decisive moves and never show a hint of doubt. Look how strong they appear! But I steer clear of such leaders. Because what they’re projecting isn’t strength—it’s a façade.
And behind that façade? Fear.
How much tolerance do these leaders have for a colleague who doesn’t have all the answers? Who wrestles with uncertainty? Who dares to show vulnerability? Not much, I suspect. Because their image depends on perfection, and anything less threatens the illusion.
A façade is a mask. It’s not who we are—it’s who we fear we must pretend to be. It’s a polished decoy we send out into the world, hoping no one sees behind it. But living behind a façade means being ruled by fear:
• Fear of rejection
• Fear of judgment
• Fear of imperfection
• Fear of losing authority or admiration
Fear pulls at your strings. It convinces you that the façade is necessary armor. But here’s the bad news: that armor thickens every day. And the thicker it gets, the more distance it creates—between you and others, between you and yourself.
So ask yourself: 🎩 What’s the purpose of the tie, the suit, the fancy shoes? 📣 What’s the point of showy decisions or claiming credit for team efforts? 😶 Why deny your emotions?
Fear whispers, “You won’t be safe unless you hide.” But wisdom responds, “You are only safe when you are true.” True to your imperfect self. True your humanity.
You might say, “I can’t be safe in this environment. Not with these people.” Then I say, “You are wise.” Because if revealing your true self risks harm, there is real danger. Authenticity must be practiced with discernment. It’s not betrayal—it’s strategy. And I will work tirelessly to leave that toxic space and find a place where my soul can be unmasked.
A soldier wears armor not because he loves it, but because it helps him survive long enough to live without it.
So may you find the people and the environment where you can be yourself. May you let down your façade. May you stop hiding behind a decoy. And may we all refuse to be controlled by fear.