Leadership Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

Leadership is a combination of competence and confidence, and what scares many people about taking on a leadership role is that they were trained for the work but not necessarily for the title and all that it entails. New expectations and responsibilities can feel intimidating, but leadership is a skill that is continuously developed. And as John F. Kennedy once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” 

A leader will not, and more specifically cannot, know everything there is to know about being a leader, but that’s part of the thrill. Leadership is an interactive process of learning from others, learning from experiences, and even learning from oneself. A leader never has to fear the unknown because they recognize the value of new experiences and new opportunities. While growing as a leader is often a result of intentional effort, growth is also a natural byproduct of embracing challenges, learning from everyday activities, and being open to feedback from others.

While leadership can seem intimidating because it requires taking responsibility for more than just one’s own performance, it is important to remember that a leader can rely on their team in the same way that the team can rely on their leader. The relationship is symbiotic, meaning that both sides help each other and benefit from one another. In order to establish this balance, the leader must first build trust and rapport with employees.

This opens both the employees and the leader to sharing and receiving feedback. Leaders can and should learn from their team. Those who welcome feedback from their employees instead of shying away from it give themselves an advantage over leaders who remain stuck in their own ways. Part of becoming an effective and successful leader is being willing to adapt, whether that is adapting one’s communication style, changing how to approach challenges, adjusting daily activities to optimize productivity, etc.

Leadership does not have to be scary. If you are waiting until you feel ready, then you may never get there; but if you step into a leadership position with an open mind and a desire to learn, you will find yourself climbing mountains that you once thought impossible to tackle. It is because you took that first step that you are able to build a stronger future for yourself as a leader and for the success of your team. So do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and into a leadership position, because it is in facing your fears and being willing to learn that true growth is possible.

-Meghan Slaughter