All leaders have doubts at times. It’s how you react that is important to your success as a leader.?
In this article let’s dip into doubt and dive into ways of handling it and bouncing back.
As a prospective or new leader it is natural to feel that you have a lot to learn, that there are more experienced leaders than you, that the uncertainty you feel is not normal (even though it’s common).?
You know the feelings, maybe including:
- Sweaty palms
- Nervous stomach
- Anxiety
- Doubt in your chosen approach
- Procrastination
- Focusing on what might go wrong etc
I will let you in on a secret: All leaders feel some sort of doubt and even nerves at times. Some of those ‘rocks’ that you look up to may well feel it often underneath.
The best ones use it to hone their approach, to prepare better and to push forward and grow!
Here are some tips you can try to build your self-confidence and handle the doubt when it comes:
- Set a good base: In my prior articles I have discussed understanding your role and expectations, agreeing priorities, allocating your time and creating your schedule accordingly, delegating effectively, managing your emails efficiently, responding in different modes as needed in the moment, giving and receiving help,? showing appreciation appropriately, developing your team using a coaching style, building an effective 2 way relationship with your leader and approaching problems systematically. As you read that list I think you can see that if you have these in place you have a great base for confidence in yourself as a leader, even when something new crops up. If you don’t, I suggest refocusing on these basic building blocks first.
- Notice what you are feeling, name it.
- Take several slow deep breaths. While doing so remind yourself of the above base you have in place.
- Choose to actively push the doubt aside if you can.
- Foster a growth mindset using the word ‘yet’: New things will pop up, challenges will arise. However, if you approach these with a “I haven’t done that yet” approach it helps you see the learning opportunity while reinforcing that you are going to give it a try.?
- Consider that ‘butterflies’ support your focus. They encourage you to be thorough.
- Remember that other people you are dealing with are people too, imperfect like you.
- Ask for help if you need it in the moment.
- Step towards the challenge. Taking the first step, be it planning or action is the hardest. Then take the second and so on.?
- Reflect afterwards on what went well and other learnings to take forward.
- Discuss with your leader, mentor, coach or supportive other to take further insights from the experience, and importantly, to build confidence for next time. Keep building.
- Take time to regularly celebrate your lessons and achievements! Do not miss this important step.
What do you notice about your response when doubt creeps in? If this is an area you’d like to discuss, and potentially get help with, do reach out to me.
This post is one of a series to help prospective leaders or those still settling in.
I am Brett and I love supporting high performing specialists transitioning and growing into leadership and also leaders looking to refocus and regain their sense of balance in their role. I use a mix of coaching and mentoring.
