Becoming a leader is a transformative journey that many folks aspire to undertake. Yet, for many emerging leaders, fears and assumptions can act as significant barriers, preventing them from stepping into the leadership roles they are truly capable of. As a leadership coach working closely with new and emergent leaders, I've observed common themes that often hold individuals back.
In this week’s newsletter, I shed light on the top five fears and assumptions I hear from high-potential coaching clients that tend to stand in their way of taking the next step in their career, along with practical advice to overcome them to unleash their potential.
Fear 1: "I'm Not sure I’m Ready to Be a Leader"
The feeling of not being ready is a natural response to the challenge of leadership.
However, waiting until you feel completely prepared may mean missing valuable growth opportunities that others who are equally or even less qualified will seize the opportunities from you. Think about the time you took on your current role. Did you know everything about it when you took it on? It’s doubtful, and yet here you are in it – and looking for more.
Try this: If you were to strip away the title – would the daily tasks of the role interest you? Embrace the role with a mindset of growth and resilience, as you did with your current role. Seek out mentors, training programs, and opportunities to develop your skills. Remember, the best way to learn is often by doing.
Fear 2: "I'm Afraid of Failure"
I completely get it - fear of failure can be paralyzing. However, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to reframe failure simply as information or as a stepping stone to success. It is said that when Thomas Edison was questioned about his many “missteps” when trying to come up with the light bulb, his answer was “I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.” Keep in mind that every leader – even renowned ones - have faced setbacks along the way. The difference between them and others? Courage. Instead of avoiding the challenges, they approached them with a mindset of learning and improvement. Focus on the lessons you can extract from each experience and use them to grow stronger. Remember, true failure only occurs when you stop trying. Next time you get the opportunity to meet a leader you admire, offer to buy them a coffee and ask them about their leadership journey. I have a feeling you will find their experience was very much like yours.
Fear 3: "I Don't Have Enough Experience"
Experience comes in many forms, and your unique perspective is a valuable asset. I think we underestimate the value of that our unique perspective brings to the table. While you may not have held a traditional leadership title, consider the skills and insights you've gained from past roles, projects, and life experiences. Reflect on times when you've led informally or taken initiative. The concepts are the same, but slightly larger in scope. If you can’t think of anything, ask trusted peers what qualities they feel you would bring to a leadership role. Share these stories in interviews or conversations to demonstrate your leadership potential. This is the type of evidence that hiring committees look for when hiring potential leaders.
Fear 4: "I Don't Want to Upset Anyone"
The desire to avoid conflict is understandable, yet effective leaders must sometimes make tough decisions. Instead of focusing on pleasing everyone, prioritize fairness, transparency, and open communication. Involve teams in the decision-making process when/where it makes sense. The rest is up to each individual. Build relationships based on trust and empathy, so when difficult situations arise, your team understands your intentions, even if they don’t love the solution. While you can’t control other people’s reactions, as a leader, you have the main role in creating an atmosphere that is conducive to a productive and engaged workforce. How others function within it is their choice.
Fear 5: "I'm Worried About Being Judged"
The fear of judgment is a common human experience, especially in new and challenging roles. However, it's essential to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Instead of letting fear hold you back, focus on building your confidence. Seek feedback from trusted mentors or colleagues to gain valuable insights and perspectives. Remember, true leaders are authentic and humble, open to growth and feedback. I think it’s important to be real with yourself here, and ask yourself “Am I more attached to my career goals OR to the fear of how others perceive me?” Only you can answer that question and may help guide your decision to take on a leadership role (or not).
As you think about embarking on your leadership journey, remember that fears and assumptions are normal companions. What sets great leaders apart is their ability to acknowledge these fears and move forward despite them. As the “Queen of self-help", Susan Jeffers says “Feel the fear and do it anyways”, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, view failures as lessons, and lead with authenticity and courage. By addressing these common fears head-on, you'll be well on your way and inspire others to do the same.
If you are looking for a more customized leadership development experience, leadership coaching may be the better option to get you to your professional development goals faster. Book a complimentary “Discovery Call” to discuss your goals and see if working with a leadership coach might be the way to go.