7 Excuses for Not Leading
You could be leading right now, but you have convinced yourself not to. Below are seven common excuses. Identify yours, and then take action to rectify your reasoning. The world needs fresh leadership, and your justifications for sitting on the sidelines are evaporating.
1. You are not yet willing to face your fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown.
Action: Muster your courage. Fear is not a sufficient reason to abdicate leading.
2. You do not have enough self-confidence, so you stay at the perimeter.
Action: Work to conquer your imposter syndrome. Recognize that others believe in you and your capabilities.
3. You know what to do and could demonstrate initiative, but wait for someone else to lead instead.
Action: Remind yourself that leadership is taken, not granted. Don’t risk letting a lousy leader and their ideas take root. Fill the void now!
4. It feels self-serving for you to accept being a leader.
Action: The delusion of grandeur toward your humbleness may be noble but only serves to further inaction. Adopt a servant-leader mindset and be selfless; think of yourself less and others more.
5. You couldn’t find a place to lead.
Action: There are no shortages of problems or opportunities to address in the world. It is your duty to discover what you are passionate about and then improve what is broken or hampering success.
6. You tried leading once, and it was uncomfortable, or you screwed up, and since you weren’t perfect, you gave up.
Action: Accept that setbacks are inevitable. Begin to practice failure, so you can better learn, grow, and lead!
7. You don’t think you know how to lead.
Action: Leadership is a learning profession without end. Each day presents a new opportunity that will challenge and teach you. Reach for it instead of cowering from it.
What is your excuse for not leading, and how will you transform it into a call to action?
Alone or With Your Flock, Soar
Sometimes you have to be independent and chart your own course. You will fly high, and far, and have a broad perspective on your world, up above the fray.
Other times, you will want company, share resources, communicate with your friends, cheer each other on, and stay nearer to the ground, so you do not miss any opportunities.
The choice is yours. You will rely on either your head or your heart, instinct or common sense. Ultimately, your decision may be right, or it may be wrong, but only you can make it. Own it and soar.
How’s Your Leadership Development?
Karl Bimshas Consulting would like to know the state of your leadership development. Please share your thoughts via the Leadership Development Questionnaire by clicking the link below.
The Reflections on Leadership Podcast
Listen to quick reflections on leadership and occasional interviews with busy professionals, to challenge your perspective, provide inspiration, and give insights to help you manage better and lead well. Available on your favorite platform, or click here.
Engage with Karl Bimshas Consulting
Conquer imposter syndrome and become a confident, competent leader in your field without becoming a jerk. Contact the Boston-bred and California-chilled leadership advisor, author, and owner of Karl Bimshas Consulting today. Learn More
