I Hate When I Do This...
There are a lot of things I am working on to improve as a leader, but there is one thing I have seen leaders struggle with and that I had struggled with for a long time. What is it? Worrying too much about what others think; including those we lead.
My personality has always been one of wanting to please. I don’t like people upset - especially at me. I am sure many of you can relate.
Now don’t get me wrong, as leaders we should care about what others think of us. It is normal and to an extent healthy and helps us to be more sensitive and empathetic. But when our decisions as leaders are solely made around how others might perceive us, it is too much.
Leaders must lead because they care, not because they want to be liked. And caring means having the courage to do what’s right, not what’s popular.
By virtue of our calling as leaders, not everyone is going to agree with us or like us. We must be more concerned with leading, rather than pleasing. If we mostly focus on pleasing, we won’t be effective.
The reality is people spend a lot less time thinking about you than you think they do. They are too busy thinking about themselves. They are also busy and worried thinking about what you think of them. I heard it once said, you will stop caring about what others think when you realize they don’t.
Next Leadership Thursday I am going to give you three specific tips to help you worry less about what others think and instead focus on those things that matter most. Stay tuned :-)
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