Safe leadership
We’ve explored a lot of ways that you can, and are already, being a leader. In many of these situations, you take an active role, whether you’re leading by example, guiding others, or offering support as others work towards their goals.
However, not all settings are safe physically, psychologically, or emotionally. It can sometimes be harmful to you or others to stay in unsafe settings and relationships.
While it’s hard to do, sometimes leadership means prioritising your own and others’ safety.
Let’s look at when walking away is the best option. For example, maybe you find yourself in a situation where there is an abuse of power or authority. This may be at work, on a committee or advisory group, or in a school. Wanting to speak out against mistreatment is natural, but sometimes it’s not safe to do so. Sometimes, your leadership needs to be leading the way out. This means prioritising safety and finding the best way to address the issue at another time, if that feels right. This doesn’t mean that the issue goes unresolved, it only means that you’re looking for the safest and most effective way to do it. You might also decide not to resolve an issue when that is the best solution.
Safety online
Today, the online space can also be a place where ‘walking away’ can be best. Given it’s such a big part of our lives, it’s important to consider how you interact online. For many, navigating the internet can be social and fun. Some people use the internet as a way to relax. It can also be a powerful platform to speak about your passions. One great positive of the internet is that a single voice can reach many people and bring about positive change such as a campaign to protect a forest or to open conversation about discrimination.
But while there are amazing aspects to being online, it’s important to remember there are downsides too. At times, people show their worst side when they can hide behind a screen online. This can lead to cyber bullying. This kind of bullying can be very harmful and feel overwhelming, isolating and inescapable.
Is this something you have experienced? Even if you haven’t, you’ve probably seen examples of how poorly someone can be treated, or can treat others, online.
Of course, we’re not suggesting that you don’t use this amazing connection and communication tool. Instead, we hope to encourage a little of our last principle – ‘care for self to care for community’. Give yourself time to consider whether the online space you’re engaging with – and the way you are engaging – is safe for you. Consider the outcomes, good and bad, that could come from it and know where to reach out for help if you need it.
Visit this website for more information: https://www.esafety.gov.au/communities/living-with-disability [4]
You can also find more information on being safe online here: https://www.neve-plainenglish.wwda.org.au/level-4-page/how-to-be-safe-online
Take a pause
Are unsafe situations the only ones you should walk away from? Not necessarily.
While it’s important to assess safety as a leader, there are other instances where walking away is a good temporary option. When emotions are high, it can be better for everyone to step away and take a few breaths. No one will handle a situation or take on new information well if they are feeling angry and stressed.
In these cases, it can often be better, and result in better outcomes, to lead by walking away. If someone continues to behave in a way that feels disrespectful and is not open to learning more respectful ways to communicate, this may be a time to walk away permanently or seek support from others if that is not an option.
Can you think of a time where you walked away (or on reflection wish you had) because it was the best way for you to lead?
4. eSafety Commissioner. (2023, November 30). Living with disability. eSafety Commissioner. https://www.esafety.gov.au/communities/living-with-disability