I would listen to their reasons for doubting our business strategy, especially if multiple team members recommend reflection. Rather than wasting time by going into self-doubt mode, I would reach out to them and seek their input on ways and means of improving the current strategy. I would assert myself, where I believe that the core of strategy is beneficial to the company's long-term plans, and hold a town hall meeting to reach out to the team. I will tell them why the management has faith in the current strategy and how the company will gain through their contribution and involvement. I will address their doubts rather then let myself be drowned in my misery of self-doubt.

“If we have data, let’s look at data. If all we have are opinions, let’s go with mine.” ― Jim Barksdale Data evaporates self-doubt. Have your team document their concerns clearly so you are crystal clear you understand them. Seek data – internal or external – to validate or refute their concerns. Do the same thing with your existing strategy. Data erases self-doubt by giving you objective clarity. If you are wrong, fine. Adjust. If you are right, fine. Communicate this objectively to the team. And if there really is no objective perspective? No data exists. Then it is your job to make the decision. That’s essentially the job description of a leader. Make the decision. Don’t second guess.

And that's when it does happen-your team doubts your strategy-you can doubt yourself, too, but that could be an opportunity for growth. What worked for me: Listen Without Ego: I treated team concerns as valuable insights and not as threats, understanding their perspective before reacting. Reassess with Clarity: Step back to evaluate the strategy objectively, checking to see if their feedback revealed genuine gaps or blind spots. Announce Changes: Where changes needed to be effectuated, I clearly communicated, ensuring that the team understood their contribution counted. And the self-doubt which did set in became an even finer learning opportunity for my leadership and our strategy.