5 Suggestions to Lead with Greater Confidence in Uncertainty
Leaders are expected to lead well irrespective of circumstances, and that's why we lean on them for direction and support. But these are extraordinarily complex and daunting times.
Leaders are likely dealing with a bigger mental shift back to work life, than merely a physical shift back to the workplace. The norms of leadership have challenged us over this turbulent time and called upon leaders to dig deeper into their sense of courage, empathy, mutual trust and belonging. And then translate these into leadership practices teams can feel, observe and depend on in a time of deep crisis and uncertainty.
To feel uncertain is human, to rise above it and get through each day with intention, empathy, reassurance and calm is the work of a prepared and confident leader.
However, leaders can sometimes let uncertainty bog them down when much is being expected and asked of them. So, what can you do as a leader for yourself and for your team that can help you move beyond the paralysis of uncertainty and rise into confidence?
Here are five suggestions that could help you regain your balance, bolster your courage and fuel your confidence.
#1 Find support in nature
You might find this one an unusual suggestion. Albert Einstein famously said, "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." And while you did not create the deep uncertainty and worries you are dealing with, it's hard to see past them unless you give yourself another context to work with. To think differently you need to see differently. Nature is a vital source of self-recovery, reminding us of our values and intentions and gaining calm and clarity. So, step out in nature as much as you can. A brisk walk right before you get to work can help you see the expansiveness of life and the trust we can all place in the process of life. Let your mind rise above the fears and worst case scenarios and take a deep breath in the vastness of what's bigger than us, wiser than us and will outlast all of us and our problems. No better place to gain perspective and see things as they are than being in nature and breathing in confidence and reassurance.
#2 Risk vulnerability
It's not easy to expose ourselves emotionally, even for good reasons. To bare some of ourselves can be daunting for leaders. Yet, when you share something deeper than just a work update, you open the door to something special with your team. Think of what you feel comfortable and ready to share? It doesn't have to be confidential, toot sticky or a bagful of emotions. The idea is not to overwhelm, but to connect and relate. Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” Turning off our emotions is neither healthy nor possible. Which is what we can often do within uncertainty and worry. We shut down, put up a stoic stance and throw ourselves into work. We also expect others to push along. Instead, boost your confidence through being honest. Confidence is about being yourself.
#3 Give yourself some credit
It's easy to get caught up in the bleak side of life when you are overwhelmed with dark clouds everywhere. That precious ray of sunshine can drown in our constant struggle to get through each day and its new and pressing challenges. So, take a pause. Stop and feel the sense of accomplishment you deserve to feel for not quitting on your team, not going under and not giving up on yourself. This is not the time to aim for perfect and not settle for anything less. Life is a more complex matter than that. Sheryl Sandberg wisely said, 'Done is better than perfect'. Have you got a lot done that you aren't giving yourself any credit for? Think of the good you've done and the support you provided the best you could. Maybe, not everything landed perfectly. But that doesn't change the fact that you wanted to do the right thing and stand by your team and your organisation and your customers. Stay confident in your ability to not catch and solve every problem, but in your capacity to do your best and inspire your team to do their best.
#4 Be inclusive of people
Change and uncertainty have a way of making us curl up and protect ourselves from what we see as imminent threats to our career, reputation, opportunities and wellbeing. However, to be insular is a sure shot way of losing confidence. Not only that, isolating yourself, whether physically or emotionally, can significantly dent your self-image and self-esteem. Which in turn can bring down your overall confidence in your ability to lead yourself and others. The best antidote to isolation is inclusion. This is not just about being inclusive of diversity, but being inclusive of people - because we are all diverse in our own ways. When you extend your understanding, empathy and listening to your team members, you hear what you would never have heard otherwise. Now you are working with information and insights that were not even accessible to you as everyone got busy protecting themselves. Step into inclusive conversations and let your team fuel your confidence in your ability to lead well.
#5 Seek mentoring and advice
Unfortunately, asking for help and support is still not an easy leadership option. The higher you go the greater the burden of perceived singular competence and self-sufficiency. Yet, the days of heroic leadership and the superman complex of it are long gone. We live in highly complex, diverse and volatile times. Any leader who claims they can do it all is not being realistic or even wise, perhaps. As the famous African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We are indeed stronger together, safer together and more likely to rise out of uncertainty and worries together. So, going it alone not only seems harder, but much less effective. Think of how many people you might have in your network, organisation or amongst your social set you could confide in and speak with honestly? Having mentors, advisors and trusted colleagues is the lifeline of long-term leadership success. Find the support you need and grow your confidence in yourself.
Your ability to stay above your fears and doubts about current challenges and future uncertainties can prove the difference between barely surviving it or thriving in it. Boost your confidence and know that your competence shines through when you are tuned into the resourceful, inclusive, empathetic and mindful leader you can be.
Equality Consulting offers practical and engaging training workshops in three key areas: Leadership for New Leaders, Leading with Inclusion in Diversity and Advancing Women into Leadership. All workshops can be delivered in-person or as online programs, so your people can attend from where ever they might be. Request a personalised preview showcasing our workshops so you have a better idea.