Am I Good Enough to Lead?
“I’m not good enough to be telling other people anything.” This was the response from an amazing woman I know, when I asked if I could interview her about her leadership style.
‘What are these people thinking right now? Am I wasting their time?” A coaching client leads a team of dozens. He questions his own legitimacy as their manager.
Managers feel anxiety about their shortcomings. They express this to me almost universally. They feel their skills are deficient and their credentials are inadequate.
I believe that a manager’s desire to improve is credential enough. Here’s my proof:
Thousands of people around the world are empowered as managers every day for far worse reasons.
Millions of people would be thrilled to show up at work tomorrow to work for a manager who displays a sincere interest in getting better at their job.
No manager is perfect. I enjoy tremendous privilege, but I don’t have the credentials that many of my clients feel they’re lacking.
Are you practicing people management with any care at all for the craft? Then you’re already the kind of manager that many people would love to have.
That in itself is an accomplishment. That in itself is a credential to be proud of.
Here are some others:
- Do you work with a therapist, coach, counsellor, or mentor? If so, you’re investing in self-improvement. People go their whole careers without ever taking this step. This puts you in the top quartile before breakfast.
- Have you asked your colleagues for ideas on how you can improve? When they respond, do you prioritize understanding, listen without reacting, and ensure they have an experience they’ll want to repeat? Making yourself vulnerable is hard. It can transform the quality of your relationships at work.
- Have you taken an honest inventory of your weaknesses and strengths? Have you shared it with your manager and team? Imagine a leader who is honest about what they’re good and bad at. These qualities almost never come in the same package as a bad manager.
I’ve been a bad manager for most of my life. My greatest hope is to be better tomorrow. In time I hope I’ll learn and improve, and maybe help others learn something too along the way.
What tools have I missed that managers and others can use for self-improvement and self-reflection? Post in comments or, if you’re concerned your ideas might not be good enough for publication, you can always send me an email or DM. 😉