EMERGENT LEADERS NEWSLETTER/035/TRANSFORMING PROCRASTINATION LIES INTO LEADERSHIP SUCCESS

In the fast-paced world of leadership, the ability to take decisive action and lead by example is paramount. Yet, many leaders find themselves entangled in a web of procrastination, telling themselves lies that delay crucial support to their direct reports and impedes the progress of projects. ?

In this week’s newsletter, I call out?five common lies leaders tell themselves to justify procrastination and shed light on the negative consequences it has on their teams. If any of the following 5 lies resonate with you (as in, you frequently use one or some of them), take notice. Fortunately, it’s not all doom and gloom. Procrastination is a habit that can be changed. You simply need a more compelling reason to shift to more proactive leadership habits. ?

Here goes!?

Lie #1: "I'll get to it later."?

The reality: Delayed support equals delayed success.?

Let’s be real - we ALL say this at some point. But if it becomes a pattern, then it’s a habit. In leadership, this is probably the most common one hear - especially when it comes to addressing their direct reports' needs later. However, postponing mentorship and guidance can impede the growth of team members. Procrastination not only stifles individual development but also creates a culture of inertia within the team, hindering overall progress. And if you have high potential team members, you will risk losing them. ?

?

Lie #2: "Once I complete this project, then I'll focus on my team."?

The reality: The project never truly ends.?

Leaders tend to convince themselves that once a particular project is completed, they will shift their focus to team development. However, in the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, there is always another project/crisis/reason on the horizon. The delay in supporting direct reports persists, leading to missed opportunities for growth and innovation. Learning needs to be an integral part of each of your team members’ schedules. It is the only way to ensure continuity in their growth.?

?

Lie #3: "They'll figure it out on their own” or “It's character-building." ?

The reality: Neglect breeds frustration and disengagement.?

Allowing direct reports to navigate challenges on their own under the guise of character-building can lead to frustration and disengagement. This doesn’t mean doing the problem solving or work for them. It could be as simple as acting as a sounding board. Procrastination in providing guidance can cause team members to feel undervalued and disconnected, ultimately impacting their performance and morale. Again, high-potential team members are more likely to leave because of this. ?

?

Lie #4: "I'm too busy; they'll have to wait."?

The reality: Busyness is a choice; priorities reflect values.?

Leaders often use busyness as an excuse for delaying support to their teams. However, effective leaders recognize that prioritizing their team's development reflects their values. Procrastination due to perceived busyness sends a message that the team's growth is not a priority, leading to diminished trust and motivation.?

?

Lie #5: "I was successful without much guidance; they'll be fine."?

The reality: Times have changed; coaching, mentorship and sponsorship accelerate success in today’s extremely competitive environment.?

Some leaders believe that because they succeeded without significant guidance, their direct reports will also thrive independently. However, the dynamics of the workplace have significantly evolved. Coaching, mentorship, and sponsorship are now recognized as catalysts for accelerated success. Procrastination in providing these supports deprives team members of valuable insights, lessons learned and potential future career opportunities.?

?

As a leader, your actions speak louder than words. If you don’t openly model and shift the behaviors that you expect to see in your team members, then it’s difficult to blame them for the team’s lack of success. If you say that continuous learning and development is important to you, then prove it to your employees. ?

In case you’re looking for a more compelling reason to shift some of the procrastination habits, try this: Imagine a future where your proactive leadership habits prevail and your team is filled with dream employees who thrive under your thoughtful guidance and support. ?

Though this doesn’t have to stay a vision. It can become the reality IF you are willing to carve space in your schedule (and theirs) and create conditions to allow growth to occur. Remember that leadership isn’t just about achieving personal success; it's also about empowering others to reach their full potential. By acknowledging and dismantling the lies that fuel procrastination, you can pave the way for a future where all your team members transform into dream employees. ?

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.?