My daughter was recently described as “fearless” by a college advisor describing her strengths. That description made me think of others who could be described as fearless. I know several, but I also know more leaders who are not completely fearless.
We expect that our leaders are fearless.
Over this past while, I have heard more than one client wrestle with success and self-doubt. They are not fearless, yet they are not immobilized by fear either. However, fear does get in their way at times.
Self-doubt is not a topic in leadership development and training, it is an obstacle to leadership, so we must talk about it. We have to be able to recognize it, understand it and find strategies to limit its impact on our behavior.
For some, self-doubt results in paralysis by seeking perfection.
Some use self-sabotage to scuttle a potential success.
Some diminish the importance of their contribution because the ability comes easily to them.
Some convince themselves that their contribution is not enough.
The leadership skill here, is the ability to diminish the impact self-doubt has on our leadership behavior.
Can you identify when self-doubt is the cause of you talking yourself out of a bold move?
Do you have a plan or strategy for quieting that negative inner voice?
Putting some thought into this will make you stronger.
Think about this:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? “
This quote by Marianne Williamson, from her book A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles, was used by Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech.
My work in leadership development allows me to help leaders become fearless. Contact me if self-doubt creeps in to sabotage your best work.