Does It Have to be Lonely at the Top?

The first time I heard the saying “it’s lonely at the top,” I thought “really? How can it be lonely there?”

After watching Brené Brown’s Ted Talk, the Power of Vulnerability, I started to wonder if leaders at the top let themselves truly be seen. Brown shares that the word courage originally meant “to speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” Do leaders display this type courage? If they aren’t, they may never form connections with people so they can feel love, belonging, and joy. This leads me to the question - is becoming a leader worth the sacrifices you make to get there?

When I think of top leadership roles (ie. board members, the C-suite, etc), my perception is that it is highly exclusive group that people want to be part of. But is exclusivity a highly desired concept right now, specifically with all the inclusivity efforts going on?

For leaders and aspiring leaders, show courage and let yourself truly be seen. Form connections with people and act in an inclusive manner. You will find happiness and help others find happiness, too.