3 Things That Get in the Way of a Leader’s Success
There is no shortage of obstacles all of us face regularly. Any of us could cite multiple challenges that prevent us from reaching higher levels of success we believe we can achieve. Rarely, though, would we cite ourselves as one of those obstacles. Yikes. That might sting more than we care to admit. However, the best leaders make time to evaluate what they may be doing to themselves, preventing them from reaching the full potential of the moment or season of life. Here are three things that commonly trip leaders up and become more significant obstacles than they realize.
Substituting Busyness for Productivity
“I am so busy,” or, “things are just so busy right now,” are common responses when asked, “How are you?” Often, I am certain, these are merely meant as polite, general responses without much real thought given. It is accepted and acknowledged equally as routine as both are considered acceptable and relatable answers to a question. Yes, we are all busy. It would be odd if someone responded to the question, “Huh, now that you asked, not much; I am bored a lot of the time.” It might be funny to actually try that, keep a straight face, and see what type of counter-response that illicited. We live in a world where busy is normal and even seen as a badge of honor. However, the type of busyness many of us experience is not the good kind. It is the type where our days are filled, morning to night, with seemingly little time to get deep work done or break away from non-work activities. Leaders need to take time to evaluate their schedules, their planning, and their productivity.
When a large project comes along or a specific initiative kicks off, we recognize the need for additional time dedicated to the success of that activity. However, what often occurs is that we translate that added dedicated time for the cause into the new everyday routines. We then become stuck in a self-perpetuating cycle of working for extended periods. Ensure you build time to evaluate your schedule, even complete an updated time-study at the end of each project (or even define this monthly for yourself), to ensure you put your time to good use.
Beating Yourself Up For Mistakes
Do you tell yourself the kinds of encouraging things you say to a friend or a peer when they share their troubles or mistakes? If you’re like me, probably not. You are much more demanding of yourself than you ever would be of a friend or colleague. Why?
From: Dan Rockwell and this Leadership Freak blog
You will make mistakes. That doesn’t mean you are making those mistakes.
You will react (emotionally). That doesn’t make you those emotions.
These are two really good thoughts to remember as you evaluate how you did something and begin to ‘beat yourself up’ for any mistakes you identify or assume were made.
We all make mistakes. You do not have to penalize yourself for the errors made, nor should you.
Learn from them.
Grow.
Make adjustments.
Make amends if needed.
Move on.
Again, from the Leadership Freak blog:
The toughest battles you face express the war within.
Beating yourself up doesn’t lift you up.
Beating yourself up isn’t moral superiority.
Be kind to yourself. When you make a mistake, treat yourself like you would your best friend. Be honest, provide encouragement, and be supportive. Then, move on.
Doing Too Much Yourself
It’s just faster if I do it.
Wrong. Well, at least wrong for the long-term. If life and leadership were only single events, that may be closer to true (though I’d still debate it). Taking on too many things is a trap most, if not every leader, has fallen into. It feels much easier to do everything yourself, and there is no need to show anyone else how you would like it done. Here’s the thing: you can’t do everything yourself. Others may be better at it than you. They may also be quicker at it once they learn the steps. And finally, it is a way to grow and develop those around you. Take the burden off yourself and let others do some of the work.
Everyone is busy. Everyone makes mistakes. And most feel as though it is easier to do things themselves. All of these are obstacles leaders must overcome. Don’t substitute busy for productive. Know what needs to be done and when, then focus on those. Learn from mistakes. Don’t waste time beating yourself up for them. Frequently, the mistake wasn’t even as bad as you thought. Keep it in perspective, grow, and take on the next thing on your list. Sharing workload with others is helpful for you and, in many cases, developmental for them. It does require some upfront investment of time, which is almost always a true investment that pays back dividends. You can take these three hurdles and turn them into stepping stones for success.
How will you avoid these three common barriers leaders find themselves facing?
Additional Reading:
The Top 5 Excuses Leaders Use to Avoid Delegation (And How to Overcome Them)
To Be a Great Leader, You Have to Learn How to Delegate Well
Situational Leadership is Not Just Environmental; It Matches Leadership Support to Learner Needs
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