When you’re a leader, not every day is sunshine and roses. Leadership is challenging, and you might begin to doubt your abilities when things get tough.

I’ve been there – feeling like the ground has shifted under my feet, and I’m struggling to figure out how to adapt. 

Experiencing doubts about your leadership abilities is a normal and important part of your growth journey. Remember that these moments aren’t setbacks but pivotal opportunities for personal and professional development. 

Recently, I’ve been working with a coaching client struggling with her leadership, and we’ve developed some great strategies to get her back on track. So, this week, I thought I would share some techniques I have used to re-energize and take my leadership to the next level.

Quiet Reflection

When I’m under a lot of stress, my most important strategy is to give myself a break. I take some time away from work to recharge and reflect. I’ll grab a journal and capture some notes in the following areas:

• Leadership Vision: What type of leader do I aspire to be? What impact do I want to have on others and the organization? What energizes me as a leader?
  
• Strengths: What are my professional and leadership strengths? How do these strengths support my leadership vision? In what ways have I leveraged these strengths recently?
  
• Opportunities: Where do I have opportunities to grow as a leader? What feedback have I received that reinforces these opportunities? How might I develop in these areas?
  
• Past Successes: What similar challenges have I faced, and how did I overcome those challenges? What experiences have prepared me to overcome and grow through my current challenges?

Action Planning

I use these fresh insights and the confidence boost from recalling past successes to create my action plan. Here are the areas I include:

• Goals and Objectives: What do I want to accomplish? 
• Quick Wins: What small and easy things can I accomplish right away to build momentum?
• Longer-Term Strategies: What will I work on over the next several months?
• Support Network: Who am I going to ask for help? Who can coach or mentor me? Who can be a sounding board? Who can encourage and remind me to celebrate my successes?

Reality Check

Consider whether you are aligning with your core values and whether your organizational culture supports those values. Also, consider whether you can be your authentic self at work. If there is too much mismatch, you may want to explore starting your next chapter. This might mean pursuing an internal move at your current company, looking for a new role at a different company, or venturing out to start your own business. 

Ask for Help

If you are struggling with a leadership challenge, you don’t have to deal with it alone. I would be honored to support you and help you achieve your goals.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

Wishing you the best!