THERE I WAS, STANDING BEFORE A TEAM OF INDIVIDUALS SEEKING DIRECTION FROM ME…
It was a defining moment in my leadership journey; a project was at stake, and the air was thick with uncertainty. Every ounce of me felt the weight of responsibility, and there was that all-too-familiar companion: FEAR.
Throughout my leadership journey, fear has been a dance partner I’ve tangoed with more times than I’d care to admit. It easily clouds judgment and mutes ambitions.
If you’ve led a team or a project, you know this dance with fear. It’s really good at making thoughts unclear and damping enthusiasm.
We’ve all been there, pausing not from lack of know-how but because of those troublesome “what ifs.” Fear blocks the potential we could reach.
So, next time that nagging voice starts, challenge it. Is it spotlighting a real problem, or is it just being dramatic? Imagine fear as a coat that you can simply hang at the door. Walk in with a mix of confidence and a pinch of humility.
And honestly, what IS fear, really? Often, it’s just blowing challenges out of proportion, making us doubt ourselves.
Always keep in mind, we are the creators of our narratives, not fear. Our capacity to guide, motivate, and lead knows no limits.
A few of my recommendations I think you’ll really appreciate about handling fear and leading with confidence:
- Dare to Lead’ by Brené Brown is a game changer — it’s all about leading with heart and courage.
- Simon Sinek’s ‘Leaders Eat Last’ totally shifts your perspective on what it means to be a great leader.
- And you can’t go wrong with ‘Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway’ by Susan Jeffers; it’s not strictly about leadership, but it’s a fantastic guide on conquering fears and boosting confidence. Definitely worth checking out!
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P.P.S.: That snapshot up there? That’s me, but with a dash of AI wizardry! 🤖📸
