Your Leaders are Scared Too! Five Fears Leaders Experience
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear."
~ Ambrose Redmoon
Leadership can be intimidating
Navigating the realm of leadership can be an intimidating journey. CEOs often express surprise at how solitary the top position can be. As we ascend the career ladder, there are usually layers of leadership above us, providing guidance and shared accountability. But when you finally reach the top, the mantle of responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders. Even at various levels of leadership, the weight of the role can feel overwhelming. With leadership comes ownership of decisions, results, and people's careers.
Personally, I've never taken leadership roles lightly, yet I have a profound passion for guiding and mentoring individuals. Witnessing someone grow into their potential and achieve promotions fills me with genuine excitement. Over the years, I've been fortunate to witness the career progression of those under my guidance. Even as I peruse former team members’ LinkedIn profiles, a sense of pride swells within me. Knowing that I've contributed, no matter how modestly, to their journeys is immensely gratifying.
Amidst the many positive aspects of leadership, like most leaders, I've grappled with these 5 fears on a regular basis. How these fears impact us depends on how we manage them – they can either shackle us or empower us. Let's dig into these five fears of leadership, and I'll share my personal experiences of transforming them into catalysts for empowerment.
The "Impostor" Problem Monster - Do I have the skills to lead this?
Imposter syndrome is a very real challenge. Whenever I faced significant new challenges, I would sense the “Impostor” Problem Monster lurking. However, as my experience grew and I encountered more opportunities for new leadership roles, I found it easier to overcome imposter syndrome.
Over time, I realized that these challenges were opportunities showcasing the belief that other leaders had in me, my skills, and my decision-making abilities. Often, I didn't possess all the skills required, but that's precisely why I was given these tasks – to learn and grow. Embrace imposter syndrome as a sign of growth and learning. Understand that leadership trusts you enough to entrust you with these challenges.
Fear of failure - What if my idea fails?
The pursuit of success and accolades is natural. I, like many, enjoy the highs of triumph. As an entrepreneur, I find myself checking responses to posts too frequently. However, the flip side is the fear of failure. The drive to succeed sometimes leads us to avoid taking risks, fearing failure.
Over time, I've learned that avoiding failure means playing it safe. To succeed and make an impact, we must risk failing. Failures have taught me that each setback is a steppingstone to learning and growth. Often, failures paved the way for breakthroughs with greater payoffs than the original idea. Embrace failure as a crucial part of leadership. Don't fear failure; fear playing too safe that you miss out on success and impact.
Fear of underperformance - Am I cut out to lead?
In a previous role, my team consistently fell short of the numbers. Seeing this failure was disappointing, and I questioned my leadership abilities. It's natural to feel insecure when faced with the possibility of not meeting expectations. This fear tests our confidence and can lead us to question if we're suited to lead.
Answering whether we're cut out to lead is a personal journey. Reflect on your leadership strengths and areas for improvement. Seek feedback from colleagues and superiors who know you well. Soul-searching is essential. If you find areas of improvement, act upon them and establish a team that holds you accountable.
Fear of making wrong decisions - What if I make the wrong decision?
Leaders must make decisions, big and small. The fear of making wrong choices can be paralyzing. As we ascend in the hierarchy, gathering accurate information becomes complex. Filtering through skewed facts, missing data, and crafting decisions becomes challenging.
To combat this fear, stay close to those closest to the information. Rely on unbiased data sources and engage with customers. Assess body language and probe further when information is lacking. Consistency in decision-making approaches is key. Transparency in your decisions fosters clarity among your teams.
Fear of backlash - Will I get cancelled?
The fear of being fired, criticized, or marginalized is common. Leaders often grapple with decisions that conflict with their team's happiness or challenge their superiors. Balancing job security with tough decisions can be daunting.
Striking the balance requires resilience. While it's natural to want to be liked and appreciated, remember your role is to make decisions in the best interest of the organization. Maintain integrity and focus on your role's responsibilities.
Closing Thoughts:
"Leadership is not about being fearless. It's about how you act in the face of your fears."
~ John C. Maxwell
Fear can be a persistent adversary for leaders. However, succumbing to fear doesn't serve us or our teams well. Set yourself up for success by embracing growth, learning, and the well-being of those you lead. Be your own cheerleader and, when needed, assume the role of the firm decision-maker. By fostering a culture of confidence, you'll empower yourself and your teams to thrive.
TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK:
Let’s explore 3 simple and actionable steps you can take this week if you are feeling overwhelmed in your leadership role:
Take the Skill Enhancement Challenge:
Choose one specific skill or competency that you feel uncertain about in terms of your leadership role. It could be public speaking, data analysis, conflict resolution, or any other relevant skill. Over the next week, dedicate time each day to deliberately practice and improve this skill. Utilize online resources, tutorials, or even seek guidance from a colleague who excels in that area. Track your progress and notice how your confidence grows as you see tangible improvements in your chosen skill.
Take the Small Decision Challenge:
Identify a relatively minor decision that you've been hesitant to make due to fear of making a wrong choice. It could be related to a project, team structure, or a process improvement. Set a deadline within the next week to make that decision. Gather the available information, weigh the pros and cons, and trust your instincts. Recognize that not all decisions need to be monumental; practice in making smaller decisions can help build your decision-making confidence over time. Reflect on the outcomes and insights gained from this exercise.
Take the Constructive Feedback Challenge:
Choose a colleague, mentor, or team member whom you trust and respect. Reach out to them this week and ask for their honest feedback on your leadership strengths and areas for improvement. Be open to receiving constructive criticism. This step can help you gain insights into your leadership style and identify blind spots you might not have been aware of. Remember that seeking feedback is a sign of strength, as it demonstrates your willingness to grow and adapt. Use the feedback as a basis for setting specific goals for your personal and professional development.
Remember that addressing these fears is an ongoing process. By taking these simple steps, you're actively working towards becoming a more confident and effective leader. Over time, these actions will help you build resilience, embrace challenges, and lead with authenticity and courage.
