The 7 Subtle Signs of Woke Leadership

No leader wants to be labelled as “out-of-touch,” “closed-minded,” or biased. The alternative to those traits in people who lead is to practice woke leadership.   When a leader is labelled as “woke”, it conjures up images of a workplace where leaders are deeply aware, actively challenge questionable events, and stand up for fairness.

However, recent media and social media coverage of the term has created an “anti-woke” perception which flies in the face of the true meaning of the word “woke”.

The term “woke” emerged from a song about a decade ago and gained prominence within the Black Lives Matter movement. Initially, “woke” referred to being keenly aware of social and political issues, especially those related to inequality and injustice.

Over time, the definition of “woke” has evolved and become politicized, leading to some people being labelled as “woke” for advocating social justice or engaging in progressive politics. According to expert Tiffany Jenkins, neuroscience studies suggest that our beliefs and values, including those related to social issues, are deeply ingrained in our brain’s neural networks, shaping our thoughts and actions. It’s essential, therefore, that being woke is seen in a positive light, where unity, consciousness and equality are the main drivers of a leader’s ethos.

Employees respect and appreciate leaders who are aware of the world around them and take action based on an enlightened perspective. Embracing woke leadership is one leadership style that can significantly improve the workplace.

Here are the subtle signs of woke leadership:

1. Caring and Empathy

Empathy and caring about others’ well-being are essential for woke leadership. You strive to make a difference and break free from outdated practices or beliefs, leading to positive change. This might mean challenging the status quo and standing up for the rights of others when needed.

2. Seeking Understanding

Woke leaders recognize their limitations and biases, stepping out of their comfort zone to understand the truth. They dig deeper to challenge prevailing narratives and seek alternative perspectives.

3. Refusing to Turn Away

When something is wrong, woke leaders face it head-on without rationalizing, justifying, or making excuses. They courageously address and own the issue. They know that their inner values and “doing what is right” are essential to them and, at times, can be uncomfortable to stand up for.

4. Committing to Intentional Effort

Being a woke leader requires conscious effort and dedication to improvement. Unlike out-of-touch leaders, who may operate without mindfulness, “woke” leaders accept responsibility and actively work on their self-awareness.

5. Valuing Diverse Perspectives

Woke leaders understand the risks of surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals or “yes” people. They embrace diverse perspectives, stories, and experiences, fostering growth and open-mindedness.

6. Acknowledging Blind Spots and Biases

Everyone has blind spots and biases. Woke leaders recognize their limitations and work on enhancing self-awareness to address these issues.

7. Acting Before Chaos

The ultimate goal of woke leadership is to sense, understand, adapt, and act proactively before situations spiral out of control.

In summary, effective management is about doing things right, while leadership is about doing the right things. Woke leadership focuses on doing the right things, particularly when faced with challenges and injustices.