Great leaders encourage questioning, challenge, and criticism

THE willingness of a leader to be questioned, challenged and criticised is an invaluable trait.

- By Ronnie Peiris

Many leaders show annoyance, displeasure, and become defensive when their authority and expertise are challenged in public and, at times, even in private. They take it as an affront to their competence, rank and authority. They also fear that their inadequacies will be revealed. On the other hand, emotionally intelligent leaders welcome challenge, questioning and criticism and proactively use them as platforms of insights, additional information, and personal development.

They encourage 'challenge' and 'questioning' as a way of creating a sense of belonging in, and leadership development of, their followers by giving them a voice in strategy formulation, tactical thinking, decision making, debate and discussion. Studies reveal that leaders who invite and welcome ideas which are different to their views, exhibit humility, empathy and positive vulnerability and create psychologically safe environments where followers and constituents feel respected and motivated to express themselves freely.

Mary Barra, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of General Motors since 2014, is a leader who is renowned for her open-door policy, listening ear and uncanny ability to connect with her employees. Although not widely featured in leadership articles in the same way as Jack Welch, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Satya Nadella, et cetera, she carries the distinction of being the first female CEO of one of the 'big three' automakers in the United States of America and has been an effective leader over the past 11 years. She is known to start her day early with an informal visit to the factory where she meets and greets workers before the day gets into full gear.