I was discussing the leadership competency wheel I use with a client as we began the coaching process. During this conversation what came to mind were three challenges we face as leaders.
Before I go any further allow me to clarify these are felt strongly by those who are striving to lead and not just manage. What is the difference between the two of these? I don’t have time to go in depth with this and I cover them more in depth when I provide some of my leadership trainings. If you want to get a more detailed look at it then e-mail me at randy@wheelercoachingsystems.com and I will send you a free document.
When I was a strength coach much of my time was spent managing because I focused on systems, processes, and athletes efficiently moving through the process. On the other hand, when leading I take people somewhere they may have not been which can be uncomfortable for both of us. As leaders this is when we encounter the following challenges.
Risk
Gary Haugen, founder of International Justice Mission, discusses risk in his book Just Courage as not staying at the visitors center. This is the safe place where we can relax and be comfortable instead of climbing up the mountain to see the view. The mountain feels unsafe and difficult.
The mountain is risk.
Leaders must risk entering unknown territory. When we are fairly certain of the result and have the support of others this risk is minimal. Leading courageously outside our comfort zone makes the risk feel much more real. We see where we can go, but everyone else thinks we are crazy. Leadership requires us to step forward into this risk and grow.
Change
Change is a part of leadership. This could be a change in process or a large shift in direction for the organization or team. Many of us want to change and grow, but few of us want to be changed. The leader’s challenge is bringing people along to help them change with you.
John Maxwell in his book Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 which I facilitate mastermind groups around says:
“Vision divides people. It separates the people who will from the ones who won’t – and that’s a good thing.”
As leaders we must paint a compelling enough vision that people must decide whether they want to be a part of the change or not. When painting the picture, help them see themselves participating. The reality we must accept, which John alludes to, some will not want to follow. That is ok, but maybe their reason is tied to this final challenge we all battle.
Fear of the Unknown
“Leaders must be prepared to make an educated guess based on . . . whatever intelligence is available in the immediate moment.” Leif Babin
Leaders are constantly making decisions. The challenge is not the decision, but the paralysis of analysis. In their book Extreme Ownership retired Navy Seals Leif Babin and Jocko Willink discuss the challenge of uncertainty in leadership. Whether a personal or professional decision we may want 100 percent certainty and have ALL the details, but we never will.
The lack of complete information can create fear of the unknown. When we have anxiety from the fact that we aren’t sure this is the absolute right decision we may be tempted to “wait and see.” Instead, we must move forward with as much certainty as possible and be willing to accept complete responsibility for the results.
As Babin suggests above, gather as much data as possible, make the best educated guess possible, and move forward confidently.
What fear do you need to face to risk and lead change either personally or professionally? Need help breaking through areas you feel stuck in? Contact me for a no cost thinking partner session. Lead well.
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