How being a defensive leader kills your credibility.

HIIIIII Reckless Optimists!

Let’s get real—if you’re defensive, you’re losing credibility as a leader. Leadership isn’t about avoiding criticism; it’s about handling it with objectivity, stability, and trust. When leaders take feedback personally, they spiral into blame and resentment, creating a toxic team dynamic. The truth? Great leaders don’t react—they reflect, adapt, and grow.

Why Defensiveness Hurts Your Leadership

🚨 Erodes Trust – A defensive leader signals insecurity, discouraging honest feedback.
📉 Stifles Growth – Resistance to feedback means missing out on learning opportunities.
💥 Damages Relationships – Defensiveness creates tension and weakens team morale.
🤯 Hinders Decision-Making – Emotion-driven decisions replace strategic, logical ones.
😞 Reduces Engagement – Team members feel unheard, leading to lower productivity.

5 Ways to Drop the Defensiveness & Step Up as a Leader

1️⃣ Listen First – Stay present and hear people out without crafting your rebuttal.
2️⃣ Pause & Reflect – Take a breath and ask, Is there truth in this?
3️⃣ Ask Clarifying Questions – Be curious, not combative.
4️⃣ Own Your Mistakes – Accountability builds trust and respect.
5️⃣ Adopt a Growth Mindset – Feedback isn’t a threat; it’s a tool for your evolution.

The best leaders invite feedback because they know it sharpens their skills. And sure, it stings sometimes—but remember, we all used to cry when we got shots, and now we have tattoos. You get better.

So, Reckless Optimists, let’s ditch the defensiveness, embrace growth, and lead like we mean it. GO GET 'EM!