Overcoming the struggling leader
Recently, “I am struggling as a leader” has come up multiple times. It is interesting to discuss this with others and learn more about what we each consider struggling or surviving versus the thought of a good and proficient leader. I am sharing some of what I learned, some things I know, and my thoughts on future growth.
To be struggling to survive as a leader typically means that you are facing significant challenges or obstacles that you see as threatening to your ability to lead effectively. These challenges may come in many forms, such as internal struggles with self-doubt or imposter syndrome, external pressures from the leadership and team around you, financial difficulties, or team-related problems such as low morale, high turnover, or a lack of alignment.
When we feel like we are struggling to survive, we feel overwhelmed, stressed, and uncertain about the future and what to do right now. We believe we are forced to make difficult decisions and prioritize competing demands – and every one of those demands seems to be the number one priority. Our relationships with those around us are tough to navigate. In some cases, we believe we have no one to talk to about all of this, and we see it as only our issue to resolve because we are the leader.
With all that said, it does not mean we are weak or a failure. It is a natural part of the leadership journey, and many successful leaders have faced similar challenges at some point in their career – and often to some extent each time they change to a new role. What sets good leaders apart is their ability to adapt, persevere, learn from their experiences, and ask for assistance.
Leadership is not you alone on an island, but it sometimes feels that way. So here are some thoughts on how you can gain insights to move from struggling to a more developed or confident leader.
· First is slow down. Yes, slow down and take inventory of the absolute priority to focus on – then take the tiny steps to work on it.
· The second is to ask for assistance. Assistance may mean reaching out to peers or a manager for clarity on an area you are having difficulty seeing the way ahead, or it could be asking a direct report to take on some items – delegation.
· The third is finding a way to focus internally and challenging yourself for growth. This may be through your company training programs, helpful articles with tips to develop your style and find your way, or a mentor to bounce things off of. For some of you, it may be to find the right coach or advisor to push you past your comfort or tolerance zone.
We all face challenges and obstacles during our times as a leader. What we do to create and develop our abilities is unique to each of us. So slow down, be bold and get assistance, and find your growth path.
Written by Steven Schultze