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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on facing impostor syndrome and taking criticism

WorkLife with Adam Grant

Mon Jun 10 2024



Justin Trudeau's Leadership Style and Motivation:

  • Justin Trudeau emphasizes the importance of making a positive impact on the world, driven by his parents' example.
  • He values genuine conversations over small talk to establish quick and authentic connections with people.
  • Trudeau highlights that success, for him, means positively influencing the world around him, a value deeply instilled by his parents.

Trudeau's Reflections on His Father's Influence:

  • Growing up with his father as Prime Minister exposed him to significant aspects of leadership but made him realize the importance of smaller meaningful actions.
  • Trudeau found unexpected fulfillment in being a community representative even before holding prominent political roles.
  • He discovered the essence of service through empowering individuals within communities, drawing parallels to his experience as a teacher.

Dealing with Criticism and Imposter Syndrome:

  • Trudeau acknowledges facing criticism from an early age due to his father's role, learning to detach himself from external perceptions.
  • He stresses detaching from others' opinions while seeking constructive feedback for personal growth.
  • Trudeau shares insights into handling imposter syndrome, noting how he overcame it through hard work and authenticity.

Maintaining Confidence and Avoiding Complacency:

  • Despite feeling hesitant initially about taking leadership roles, Trudeau focuses on continuous improvement without succumbing to complacency.
  • He underscores unwavering dedication during challenging times, especially when striving to leave a positive impact.

Creating Cohesive Communities Amid Division:

  • Trudeau aims to bridge divides by encouraging diverse viewpoints within his team and valuing inclusivity.
  • Navigating divisive issues involves balancing clear positions with accommodating different perspectives, particularly in polarized online environments.

Decision-Making Process and Compromise:

  • Trudeau prioritizes evidence-based decision-making grounded in expert advice and consensus.
  • Drawing inspiration from past leaders like Wilfred Laurier who understood the value of compromise for cohesive governance.

Advice for Future Self and Leadership Growth:

  • Reflecting on patience and incremental progress, Trudeau advises his future self to be patient with evolving challenges.
  • Emphasizing meaningful steps forward over perfectionism for lasting transformation.

Leadership Insights from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:

  • Encouraging people to represent their community to a leader fosters candidness and idea sharing, as shown in research on pro-social motives for voice.
  • Leaders should emphasize the importance of speaking up, not just create a safe space for it, according to Amy Edmondson.
  • Focusing on impact over approval is crucial for leaders, detaching oneself from public opinions can be beneficial.
  • Achievement motivation may frustrate politicians due to limited control, contrasting with its success in the corporate world.
  • Imposter syndrome paradox: Trudeau's family name initially made him feel like an imposter but also gave him confidence by showing that the job was achievable after seeing someone close do it.
  • Contrast effects are evident in Trudeau's leadership style compared to his father's and his choice of reading material; he seeks differentiation and draws inspiration from contrasts.
  • Reading fiction is essential for leaders to learn and grow, highlighting the importance of making time for personal development through reading.