The Biggest Obstacle to Leadership Growth Just Might Be You

Technology Connections

These days, I am blessed to get to talk to leaders from all over the world through the power of technology, like MS Teams or Zoom. In the last month alone, I have been lucky enough to talk 1-to-1 with over 100 leaders in North America, Europe and Asia. Everyone from teachers, to brain scientists, to engineers, lawyers, accountants and CEO’s.

What have I found that is common across all cultures, genders and roles? Fatigue.

1. Zoom Fatigue. (I am using Zoom as a verb as it doesn’t seem to matter what platform you’re using, ‘fatigue’ seems to be the word I hear most often). I get it. My days are longer and for most of the day, I am starring at the camera lens so the person I am talking to sees my engagement. Connecting via a virtual environment is unnatural for us as human beings. We are meant to be face-to-face, reading the subtle body language and facial signals that make up most of our understanding with each other. This is very hard to do in a virtual world and it sucks a tremendous amount of energy out of us.
2. COVID Fatigue. Yes, everyone has it and there is a long way to go yet before we are over it. My advice for leaders? Make sure you have someone to talk to about any fears uncertainties or doubts you have going on, because when you are with your people, it’s ‘game-time’ and you have to be there for them.
3. Leadership Growth Fatigue. Not an official term, I am just not hearing leaders talk about clear pathways to growth.

You as the Obstacle to Leadership Growth

Let’s unpack that last one more.

Yes, we will return to a ‘normal’ state. That is a given. The question is… are you ready for it? Have you been creating clarity around the direction for your business or team? Your team needs that clarity now, not six-months from now. You have to create a picture for the team that lays out where you see the business going, so that people have a sense of safety and a cause to work towards.

The biggest obstacle I am finding, is often the leader. It’s a fear, uncertainty and/or doubt about the future. A mindset that tomorrow is going to bring more uncertainty. And worse, I am seeing leaders that are not engaged in the here and now to keep their team inspired for today, and positioned for tomorrow.

I hear lots of leaders telling me that it is hard to be personally engaged all day long in a virtual environment. Damn right it is hard! However, real leaders dig down deep and find a way to bring their ‘A’ game to every interaction. Leadership has always been hard. This is just different.

If you’re finding it too much, ask yourself if you are getting in your own way to leadership growth? If you still need help… reach out!

Robert Murray is a Vancouver, BC based Business Strategy Consultant, #1 Best Selling Author, International Keynote Speaker, and TEC Top Speaker of the Year for 2018. For further advice, insight and inspiration on how to unlock your inner leader, follow Robert on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Click here to get his weekly Tuesday Tune Up blog posts straight to your inbox.