In my coaching work with senior leaders, a common thread appears–personal identity closely linked to professional roles. For these leaders, work isn’t just a job; it’s a significant part of who they are. Particularly for those in leadership positions, being a leader becomes a central aspect of their self-image. While this connection seems advantageous, it poses a dual challenge.
If everything is tied to this single identity, what happens when challenges come? A restructuring leading to a layoff or an unwelcome reassignment can shake their self-worth. This is where my coaching journey intersects with a powerful psychological concept–the ‘Complexity Principle.’
Understanding the ‘Complexity Principle’
Rooted in self-complexity theory, the ‘Complexity Principle’ suggests that individuals with diverse self-aspects–different dimensions forming their identity–navigate life’s complexities more effectively. Paradoxically, complexity in this sense acts as a simplifying agent, especially during moments of failure.
The seminal study on the concept from Patricia Linville underlines the role of self-complexity in buffering against stress. Those with a variety of self-aspects experience lower emotional distress in response to negative events, showcasing the protective quality of complexity. As the paper’s title suggests, “Don’t put all your cognitive eggs in one basket.”
From crisis to resilience: applying the ‘Complexity Principle’
Emotionally intelligent leaders recognize the power of the ‘Complexity Principle.’ Instead of tying their entire identity to their professional role, they intentionally cultivate a diverse set of self-aspects. A leader, a parent, a friend, a hobbyist–these aspects together form a robust identity, offering resilience when faced with adversity.
Consider a scenario where a leader encounters a significant setback at work. A demotion or a challenging project outcome might impact someone with a narrowly defined identity. However, an emotionally intelligent leader, guided by the ‘Complexity Principle,’ draws strength from the richness of their identity.
Studies have shown that participants with high self-complexity tend to exhibit greater emotional stability when confronted with a negative performance review. This ability to compartmentalize setbacks, attributing them to specific self-aspects without compromising the entire self-concept, proves crucial in maintaining emotional well-being.
The coaching journey
In my coaching experiences, introducing the ‘Complexity Principle’ sparks a transformative shift. Guiding individuals to recognize and develop multiple self-aspects constructs a psychological safety net. When professional challenges arise, they can draw upon this diversity, mitigating the impact on their overall well-being. Even the most high-ranking leaders can have different ‘selves’.
This coaching journey aligns with the tenets of emotional intelligence–recognizing and managing one’s emotions and empathizing with others. Emotionally intelligent leaders leverage self-complexity not as a source of confusion but as a strategic advantage in navigating their professional and personal worlds.
The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.
