First, let me start by saying that we are ALL leaders! It has nothing to do with a job title.
Leadership starts with us as individuals. we lead ourselves first, then others.
Here’s an example of what I mean:
When I wake up in the morning I am the one who decides what I’m going to do that day. I make the decision to get up, get dressed, do my work. I am in charge of how I live my life.
Leadership at work works the same way. You lead yourself first, then those around you. But if you suck at leading yourself, you REALLY suck at leading others.
So the question isn’t whether or not you’re a leader. The question is “How well are you leading?”
If, like most, you are uncomfortable with:
- Being direct instead of trying to figure out how to say what you think you should say.
- Saying NO when you mean no. (How many times have you said yes instead?)
- Dealing with uncomfortable conversations.
- Asking for what you want, not what you think you can get.
All of these all fall under the “Confrontational” category. If any/all of those are too difficult, you are a not-so-great- leader.
What’s the solution?
Find out WHY it’s so hard for you to be confrontational!
- Why is saying what you mean so hard?
- What makes an uncomfortable conversation uncomfortable?
- Why is asking for what you want uncomfortable? (Do you even know what you want?)
- Why in the world would you say yes when you want to say NO?
Not saying what you want to say is painful because you’re being inauthentic and because it’s painful to lie. Yes! Saying yes when you really mean no is called a lie!
Stop lying to yourself, stop wishing you had the guts to say what you mean and mean what you say. Start doing whatever it takes to get out of your own way so you can be a better leader.
Aren’t you sick of that feeling of dread?
