Brazilian leaders are expected to protect their people and advocate for them—to shield them from criticism, to advance their interests with higher management, to use their position and connections on behalf of those they lead. A good boss defends their team when unfairly attacked, goes to bat for employees who need something, and uses relationships and influence to help their people. This isn’t optional generosity; it’s what leadership means.
If you have a Brazilian manager, expect them to advocate for you and protect you when appropriate. If you’re leading Brazilians, understand that your team expects you to use your position for their benefit. When you protect and advocate, you earn loyalty; when you fail to do so, you lose legitimacy as a leader regardless of other competencies.
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