My First Chance To Lead! Will I Blow It?

Can you remember when you first got your driver’s license? Do you remember how scary it was to anticipate then take your road test? It all seemed so overwhelming didn’t it?

Then, do you remember the feeling that you got when the examiner told you that you had passed the test? You felt invincible and held a profound sense of freedom never looking back again to your feelings of dread thinking that you might not pass the test.

Why did I use the “road test” example above to start this segment about authentic leadership? I used it because it is real to life as is authentic leadership real to life. You have a chance here to prove yourself as a leader. The best part of it all is that you don’t have to be a “designated” manager to prove that you are a leader. Therefore, you don’t need to be validated to make a decision to lead. Rather, what you do need is to be liberated from your own self doubts in your ability to do so.

Building a confidence in your work by acquiring a specific skill set obtained through a comprehensive training program is essentially very rudimentary and expected. Therefore, building a personal confidence in yourself to lead effectively is nowhere near rudimentary but often expected by you and you constituents once you make the choice to lead.

So, where does the “cold feet” come into this equation when it comes your time to lead? Well, by now I’m sure that you figured out that the cold feet only comes from you. You need to break the “umbilical chord” of doubt and show that you have a profound interest in taking your team to where they need to go so that “all” on your team including you will benefit from your decision to take on the challenges before you.

What is Authentic Leadership?

Authentic leadership provides a sense of fulfillment to the leader and does not come with a bonus package but rather a self-gratification of success. I don’t think that they put a monetary value on this type of leadership and they probably will when they compute Pi. Yes, it keeps going and never repeats.

As an authentic leader, your focus is always on the goals and the team but never on yourself. You are refreshed and fulfilled once a team goal is accomplished and ready for the next challenge. 

Are you ready to lead? 

Don’t wait for an opportunity to come to you. Create one of your own if you are up to the challenge. You may or may not get another chance.

Please enjoy this video as you examine your passion to lead!

Comment below!

How will you lead when your ship sets sail? Which ship will you choose? How will you fare as the ship’s captain? What crew will you choose to lead?