•The scarcity of good role models has led to the general misunderstanding of leadership.
•Another common challenge that professionals have is: limiting beliefs about leadership.
In my view, the idea of becoming a leader excites more than the practice of leadership, especially in the twenty-first century.
Now, it takes bravery to want to lead because modern life is complex.
Leadership is a tough job, and few people get to do it right. As such, many professionals are skeptical about it.
In addition to the mind boggling challenges of modern culture, these professionals are suspicious of leadership for several reasons. For one, there are few good role models.
Although they see and experience positional leadership, many professionals struggle because, often, true leadership is rarely modeled in the workspace.
The scarcity of good role models has led to the general misunderstanding of leadership. Many professionals do not understand their leadership potential and capacity–they have no clue how a leader should think, talk, work, etc. For many, leadership is guesswork.
Another common challenge that professionals have is: limiting beliefs about leadership.
Some people believe that leadership is office politics. Others think they don't qualify because of their age.
While some others don’t believe in strategic leadership training and exposure–they think that leadership just happens, so they are not intentional about their personal development.
The wrong view of leadership blinds people to its power and benefits.
Yes, the current leadership challenges are complex and real but can be overcome. The question is: are you willing to lead courageously? Are you up for the challenge?
If no, please stop reading. If yes, then let’s talk. There are a few things to consider.
First– study leadership. Your professional level irrespective, purpose to learn about it in every way possible – read books, take courses and get trained, attend seminars and conferences, engage in conversations, practice leadership, etc. In this game, learning and practice never stop.
Second – find community. It is unwise to walk the leadership journey alone. Search out like-minds who can encourage you; find people to whom you can be vulnerable about your leadership challenges. You need people who would happily strengthen you. This group would serve as a source of support and accountability through different seasons.
Third – learn from failure. The proof that you are willing to lead courageously in the twenty-first century is your ability to consistently learn from your failures and mistakes. We live in an era of high uncertainty. It means that you would have to constantly try new ideas that may not always work as planned. So, you must have the courage to fail, learn, grow and keep leading.
Email: [email protected]