“This leadership gig can be really lonely work sometimes. Not everyone gets what I’m up against and I can’t talk about it with just anyone.”
These are words (or versions of them), I hear regularly from clients and colleagues.
It was true pre-pandemic and it’s only amplified since.
We need to talk about loneliness in leadership.
Because it’s an under-acknowledged reality of those who spend their days leading people, leading projects and pursuing impact.
Note: as always, around here, we define leadership by the way you show up and the contribution you make – not by your title or team size
Somewhere along the line, the cultural narrative around what it means to be a ‘good leader’ told us that we should have all the answers and that we shouldn’t need to defer or refer to others for help.
And if we do, we’re risking too much vulnerability and might be perceived as less competent than we want to portray ourselves to be.
You know what that’s led to?
A lot of lonely leaders.
And the truth is, lonely leaders aren’t great for business.
Enjoy the episode:
Recommended Resources:
Join LEAD.Well – a community of practice for women who want to be better, braver leaders
Basecamp, Rachel Hollis, Human-Centered Leadership, and Vulnerability Hangovers
A behind-the-scenes look at LEAD.Well
Book a complimentary call with me
The world needs your leadership
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