Imposter Syndrome is real, but it doesn't have to be negative. Use it as inspiration to be a better leader and let it drive you to reach higher standards.
Leadership can be a daily challenge to our egos. Just when we think we have it figured out, we get knocked down by a frustrating personnel issue, a disgruntled customer, or our own overreaction to something fairly insignificant. 😟
At times like this, we start wondering if we are the right person for the job, if we are a good leader, or if the team would perform better with someone else.
When I coach leaders, we often discuss this topic: Am I doing a good job? Am I being a good leader? 🤔
Over the years, I have identified six indicators that someone is on the right track to being a strong leader. ✅
If you can identify with these, you're probably a better leader than you think.
1️⃣ You inspire people to do better
Whether you're a manager, mentor, or peer, you give those around you what they need to grow and thrive. Stretching your staff to their full potential makes them much happier employees. You're on the right track if you're helping people see what makes them better.
2️⃣ You follow through on what you say
My rule of thumb in life, in general, is to always follow through on what I say. When people can count on us to follow through, we are better parents, friends, and partners. It's no different in leadership. If you are dependable and follow through, you're a good leader.
3️⃣ You are proactive, not reactive
A good leader assesses situations and anticipates problems, preventing challenges before they escalate. Whether working on a project, preparing for a meeting, or planning long-term, thinking ahead and being proactive will strengthen your leadership.
4️⃣ You continue to grow as a professional
Leadership requires continuous learning. The fact that you're interested in reading this post and finding ways to improve your leadership skills puts you way ahead of other leaders who stopped learning how to be better as soon as they got the management position.
5️⃣ People trust you
Psychological safety is a key component of a high-performing team. If your team members feel safe making decisions, changing a process, bringing an idea to the table, and sharing personal goals and dreams without repercussions from you, then you're a good leader.
6️⃣ Own your mistakes and learn from them
No one is perfect, and mistakes are inevitable. If you admit when you made a mistake and show your team the steps you're taking to learn from and correct it, then you're a good leader.
My mentor once told me that leadership is hard because it takes years to know if you made an impact. When you have doubts about whether you're a good leader, consider how many of these six things are strong skills for you, and you will feel more reassured. 👍
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