“Stepping up” – it’s a phrase that resonates with many in leadership roles. For emerging leaders or those on the cusp of greater responsibility, stepping up seems the obvious answer to challenges.
Yet, if sustainable leadership is your goal, this approach can become a rollercoaster of fleeting highs followed by inevitable lows, culminating in burnout.
The term “stepping up” finds its roots in baseball, symbolising readiness to meet a challenge. However, in the leadership realm, it often translates to doing more, perpetuating a cycle of exhaustion and dissatisfaction. It nudges individuals into a ‘fake it until you make it’ mentality, unwittingly pushing them into survival mode. While this can be effective in short bursts or emergencies, living in this mode long-term stirs a cocktail of stress that fuels systemic inflammation and interferes with essential rest and recovery.
THE ESSENCE OF LEADERSHIP
The true essence of successful leadership is not about doing more; it’s about identity evolution. It calls for a profound shift in self-perception – recognising that nothing is inherently lacking within you. This evolution is an unravelling of self-limiting beliefs and outdated expectations instilled during childhood by well-intentioned yet misguided authority figures.
For leaders trapped in the endless cycle of doing more, a perspective shift is vital.
Rather than perceiving challenges from a stance of inadequacy, leaders should envision themselves as already performing at the desired level. This mental state fosters completeness and a feeling of intrinsic achievement, significantly reducing stress and anxiety.
EMBRACE YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
Embarking on the journey of identity evolution doesn’t mean going it alone. Resolution coaching provides strategic guidance, helping leaders to clarify their true desires and recalibrate their approach, making shifts from a perspective that the goal is already achieved.
Ultimately, effective leadership is not about stepping up but remembering that you are already equipped with everything necessary for success.
Embrace your true identity, redefine your approach to challenges, and lead with authenticity and resilience. By transforming your mindset, you not only elevate your leadership but also pave the way for a more balanced and fulfilling professional journey.