Getting a promotion to a leadership position is a career breakthrough that many people hope to achieve. To the lucky individual, it is a sign of recognition and appreciation for their actions. However, as the excitement of career advancement sinks in, with it comes fear and anxiety. The new expectations that accompany the position may be overwhelming, and it is important to find ways to eliminate the fear and take charge. Below you will find out about five such ways.
- Decisiveness
One of the primary roles a leader has to play is decision making. It is prudent not to be afraid of making a choice. What you may perceive as a bad choice might end up being the best you have ever made. To be safe, base all your decisions on the available information. Scrutinize every fact on merit and decide based on which alternative best suits your goals and objectives. Never delay a decision. Make it soon and quick to avoid stalling operations and decision fatigue. Finally, trust your gut.
- Be comfortable with your leadership approach
It is in our human nature to avoid things that put us on display to scrutiny. As stated by Fast Company, any leaders are afraid of criticism. There is no fireproof method in your leading strategy. Choose a leadership technique that you are comfortable with. Along the way, you will step on a few toes and make some enemies. However, this should not be a reason to cause worry. When you get wind of criticism, evaluate it based on merit. Constructive criticism will be a valuable input in honing leadership skills. Nonetheless, if criticism is to malign you, do not hold on to it. Grow a thick skin.
- Coordinate your team
Leadership requires you to take responsibility for your actions, and those of your team members. Accountability entails being in control of the actions of those under you. However, it comes with a great challenge as the errors of your team members directly affect you. To reduce the fear of being responsible for everyone’s actions, you need to communicate with your team. Know what they are doing and be actively involved in their decision-making. It is necessary to streamline all the operations to work harmoniously. Create an oversight pattern that makes it easier to detect and correct errors and share information while enhancing communication and coordination.
- Have no regrets
To some, failure is dreadful. While it motivates some, it cripples others. As a leader, not all plans fall in place or reap the expected benefit. Some decisions will lead to very disappointing outcomes. It is only natural to expect some defeat occasionally. However, for every loss, there is a lesson to learn. Leaders can overcome failure by perceiving it as an opportunity for growth. Again, they make a contingency plan to salvage detrimental situations. Lastly, avoid regret. Regret burdens the mind and soul. It makes it harder to take the right course of action.
- Build up your confidence
To strive to eliminate fear while leading, surround yourself with like-minded people. Look for individuals who have succeeded and understand the challenges of being a leader. They will provide you with tips to grow. Seek out a mentor and incorporate some of their principles that are relevant to your needs. Read-up on leadership. It widens perspectives. Lastly and most importantly, understand the cause of your fears and conquer it. That way you will be able to face any challenge with confidence. Remember, confidence of a leader inspires commitment in his followers.
Ben Russel is a blogger contributing to SolidEssay as well as other educational platforms.
