Leaning into leadership is both a fabulous and frightening experience.
For most of us, those first tentative, stumbling steps are unconscious and instinctual. They are influenced by our past experiences (whether in the home or in the work place) as well as by the leadership examples set by our Sponsor or upline leaders.
It is only through leaning into a leadership role that you begin the process of defining the type of leader you choose to be. As you face new challenges, make uncomfortable decisions, learn new lessons, you’ll find plenty of reasons to doubt yourself and your capabilities.
These doubts are simply highlighting a lack of awareness as you struggle to learn something new. It’s natural and unavoidable to question and doubt ourselves as we step into the unknown. When this uncertainty leads to negative self-talk, your mind becomes a jumble of doubt and paralyzing stress! YIKES!
Here are some of the most common uncertainties new leaders face – and the solutions that may surprise you:
“Why isn’t my team going faster?” Does your team know about the power of pace? Encourage them to follow your company’s fast start program. Even if they’ve been consultants for a while, they can always “begin again” and benefit from picking up the pace.
“Why won’t anyone follow me?” Personal development is an important element of leadership. Your commitment to being the best you can be through your actions and your attitude will inspire the people you need to join you.
“When does it get easier?” An attitude of gratitude is the way to combat any fear you may be feeling, and is the foundation for your future success. When you are grateful for the good in your life, you will attract more of it.
“Why am I doing this?” When your “reason why” is clear and compelling, it becomes a driver for consistency, accountability, focus and change. And those are four important elements of creating the success you desire.
From the day you enroll a new Consultant, you are accepting responsibility to be that person’s role model, advocate and mentor. Be aware of how you are leading and how you feel about your leadership. Through awareness and experience, you get to design your leadership style. It’s an exciting proposition … and I know you are up to the challenge.