Leadership Thought #377 – Put Yourself Out There
When you assume a leadership role, you must put yourself out there. Like it or not, the job requires taking risks under public scrutiny. Most people shy away from the spotlight, but leaders don’t have that choice. You need to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. The good news is that courage is often rewarded in life. That’s why you have your leadership role.
Most people regularly succumb to their fears. They’d rather not risk being wrong, feeling inadequate, experiencing professional failure, facing the rejection of their peers, or feeling emotional discomfort. However, leaders must regularly deal with all these issues, especially the good ones. If you want to be average, then act like everyone else. If you want to lead, then carve out your path. Step up when others step down.
I regularly speak to groups, and when I ask for volunteers (which I often do deliberately to illustrate a point), it’s incredible how few hands go up, even among groups of leaders. The more successful individuals in the room consistently raise their hands. When everyone else avoids doing what’s needed, true leaders take up the challenge/opportunity (no matter how big or small)—it is how they are hardwired.
Life is not meant to be about comfort or minimizing stress. The moments where we feel truly alive are usually those instances when we confront a major (often irrational) fear, complete a significant challenge, stand up for something we believe in, do what others said couldn’t be done, or be part of a winning team that overcame many obstacles to get there. Leaders intuitively separate themselves from the pack and embrace being different. They put themselves out there so others can follow their lead. They embrace that their life is meant to be lived intentionally and courageously.
