🎤 + SIMON SINEK = GREAT LEADERS ARE WILLING TO SACRIFICE THE NUMBERS TO SAVE THE PEOPLE. POOR LEADERS SACRIFICE THE PEOPLE TO SAVE THE NUMBERS.
CONFIDENCE IS CRITICAL IN LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION. BEING UNSTOPPABLE IS NOT.
Yes, we all want to achieve our dreams. We often say ‘no matter what’ to show our confidence.
HERE’S WHY IT MATTERS:
But, this ‘no matter what’ approach, driven by too much confidence, can lead to bad habits.
Dennis N.T. Perkins, in his book “Leading at The Edge,” talks about how too much confidence can make leaders take risks and act aggressively.
Leaders often think they must be fearless and unstoppable. This is because of overconfidence. But this mindset has three big problems.
Firstly, overconfidence makes leaders ignore their limits. It’s good to be positive, but it’s also important to know your boundaries. Recognizing limitations is a sign of wise leadership.
Secondly, too much confidence can blind leaders to their team’s needs. A confident leader listens and adapts. Ignoring feedback can lead to poor decisions. It’s vital to balance confidence with openness to others’ ideas.
Thirdly, overconfidence can isolate leaders. When leaders don’t seek help or advice, they miss out on valuable insights. A confident leader knows when to ask for support.
Moreover, excessive confidence can lead to burnout. Leaders who push too hard without rest risk their health and well-being. It’s crucial to take breaks and recharge.
Additionally, overconfidence can harm relationships. Leaders who don’t show vulnerability might seem unapproachable. Building trust requires showing some humanity.
Finally, a balanced approach to confidence is key. It’s about being confident but also humble and attentive. This balance makes for effective and respected leadership.
🎤 MIC CHECK: THE PITFALLS OF BEING UNSTOPPABLE
This week’s Mic Check focuses on the risks of being an “unstoppable” leader. This idea might sound full of confidence, but it has its downsides.
❤️ UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS OF UNSTOPPABLE CONFIDENCE
Firstly, ‘unstoppable’ leaders set unrealistic goals. They try to be perfect, which is impossible. Harvard Business Review (2022) says this can cause stress and health problems. Being ‘unstoppable’ is not realistic and it hurts true confidence.
🛑 UNREASONABLE APPROACHES TO UNSTOPPABLE CONFIDENCE
Secondly, ‘unstoppable’ leaders often don’t listen well. Forbes (2023) notes that they ignore important feedback. Good leadership means listening and considering others’ ideas. This is key for team confidence.
👎🏽 RUSH MODE DOWNSIDES OF UNSTOPPABLE CONFIDENCE
Thirdly, being ‘unstoppable’ means always rushing. Stanford Business Review (2023) explains this can lead to quick, poor decisions. It’s bad for team spirit and leader’s confidence.
Are you an unstoppable leader? Think about how this affects you and your team. From my experience, being ‘unstoppable’ isn’t a good goal.
🛑 A CALL FOR SELF-REFLECTION
Reflect on your leadership style. Learning to balance and understand your limits can greatly improve your confidence and leadership.o
Keep speaking up your story,
ENCORE: MORE TO EXPLORE
DO YOU REALLY WANT TO BE UNSTOPPABLE?
Being unstoppable means just that – not having the ability to stop. Yes, we use the term in marketing to convey a sense of confidence, but do you REALLY never want to be stopped? I don’t know about you, but there have been many times in my life when I wish someone would have been able to stop me. Click on the link below to learn more.
THEN THERE WAS THE TIME I HAD UNSTOPPABLE CONFIDENCE…
I was truly unstoppable and my results proved it. As a speech and debate coach, we were essentially unbeatable in state and a powerful force nationally. However, it came at too high of a cost to be “unstoppable” and was not a healthy mindset.
