As Leaders, Why Working on Ourselves is the Hardest We Can Do?
As a leader, you may have noticed that it is easier to spot flaws in others than it is to recognize and address your own. However, to become a truly effective leader, we must first work on ourselves. Self-awareness and self-reflection are key to improving our leadership abilities, yet it is often the most challenging thing for us to do. Why is this so, and why do so few leaders put in the effort?
In this blog post, we will explore why working on ourselves is so challenging, what are the obstacles we face, why it is essential to overcome this challenge, and why more leaders don't prioritize personal development.
1. Our inner critic: One of the main reasons why working on ourselves is so hard is that we have an inner critic that constantly tells us that we're not good enough, that we're not smart enough, and that we're not worthy of success. This voice is often the result of our upbringing, our experiences, and our conditioning. It can be challenging to silence this voice and to believe in ourselves.
2. Fear of change: Another reason why personal development is so challenging is that it requires us to step out of our comfort zone and embrace new ways of thinking and being. We must confront our fears, biases, and prejudices, and it is not always pleasant. We may have to change our behaviors or adjust the way we communicate, which can feel awkward or unnatural. Most of us are creatures of habit, and we resist change because it's unpredictable and scary. However, growth and change cannot happen without taking risks and facing uncertainty. It is only by facing these uncomfortable situations that we can become better leaders and create a positive impact on those around us.
3. Lack of accountability: Many leaders don't prioritize personal development because they don't have anyone to hold them accountable. When we're in positions of power, we often surround ourselves with people who will tell us what we want to hear rather than what we need to hear. This lack of feedback and constructive criticism can make it difficult for us to identify our blind spots and to grow.
4. Lack of time: Working on ourselves requires time and effort, and many leaders feel that they don't have the luxury to invest in personal development. As leaders, our schedules are full, and we often prioritize getting things done over our personal development. It is easier to focus on external factors, such as improving team performance or increasing revenue, than it is to take a deep dive into our own behaviors and thought processes. However, personal development is not a luxury, it's a necessity if we want to lead fulfilling and impactful lives. We must make time for self-reflection, as it is the only way to grow and become more effective leaders.
5. Resistance to vulnerability: Finally, one of the main reasons why leaders do not work on themselves is because they see it as a weakness. Personal development requires us to be vulnerable and to confront our weaknesses and limitations. This can be uncomfortable and even painful, as it involves facing our fears and insecurities. It is incredibly difficult, especially for those of us who are used to being in control and viewed as successful. It is hard to break down our own walls and allow our colleagues to see us in a different light. In a hyper-competitive business environment, vulnerability and introspection are viewed as luxuries that leaders cannot afford. However, this view is misguided. Working on ourselves as leaders is not a weakness; it is the ultimate strength. It demonstrates our willingness to grow and learn, and it inspires those around us to do the same.
Working on ourselves as leaders is one of the hardest things we can do but also one of the most rewarding. It requires us to overcome our inner critic, to embrace change, to seek accountability, and to make time for personal growth. It is essential if we want to become truly effective leaders who inspire and motivate our teams. We must break down our walls, make time for self-reflection, and embrace discomfort. More leaders need to prioritize personal development if they want to lead with authenticity, empathy, and purpose. By doing so, we can create a positive impact on ourselves, our colleagues, and our organizations. Personal growth is a lifelong journey, and every step we take toward becoming the best version of ourselves is a step toward a brighter future. Remember, working on ourselves is not a weakness, it is a strength. So let us be brave, humble, and committed to our personal growth as leaders.