We all go through periods when we feel down, discouraged, frustrated and unsure of ourselves.
Maybe you have been dealt a lousy hand and feel unfairly blamed for events that weren't your fault. Maybe you have made mistakes and feel hesitant to act because you have lost some confidence and doubt yourself. Maybe you're scared and you just want to find a way to avoid criticism. You search for actions that could please your bosses and critics. Have you ever felt this way in your life or career?
The country has been through a lot over these past few years. Many people have experienced severe hardships and setbacks. Some of us have lost confidence in our own judgment and leadership abilities. Some of us have been treated unfairly. As a result, we may have lost some of our fundamental faith that justice will ultimately prevail and that what we do matters.
What should you do in these situations? My advice, for starters, is to summon the strength to assume that justice will ultimately prevail (even if you don't fully believe it). Assume that the "right" thing will ultimately happen -- that you will be judged fairly for what you do. In my experience, this leap of faith is critical in helping you to take ownership of your situation. It shifts your thinking from what might happen to you -- to what you can do to make a positive difference.
Armed with this faith, you must then dig deep to figure out what YOU truly believe. If you're president of the US, it may mean developing a comprehensive economic agenda even though you know critics will disagree with it. If you run a business, it may mean re-examining your business strategy and changing your game plan. If you are a single mother, it may mean figuring out how to tighten your spending budget and reduce your debt load.
Figuring out what you should do may take a day or it may take several weeks. It requires soul-searching, homework and analysis. What would you do if you were "king" or "queen" and had the power to make happen whatever you believed should happen? If you're not sure, keep reflecting and talking with people you trust. As you go through this process, develop a list of critical questions that you are wrestling with -- discuss and debate these questions in order to further develop your thinking. Eventually, you will develop some level of conviction about what you or your organization should do.
Once you've found that conviction, lay out a specific game plan on what actions you should take. What should you do first, what would you do second? Plan it out in a time phased way -- by day, week and month. If you want to tighten your budget, who would you speak to first.....second.....third? Can you identify experts or mentors you would seek out for advice or to help critique your game plan? What specifically would you ask them? Be prepared to make changes to this game plan as you take action. Realize that you may experience setbacks, learn lessons and have to make adjustments as you move forward.
Oh yes, others may likely criticize or oppose you. There may be adversity. However, you'll have the strength of knowing that you are doing what you believe. You will be authentic and it will show. As a result of your persistence, you will likely see a number of your objectives become reality. Yes, you will make mistakes and need course adjustments, but you will likely make a positive impact on yourself, your family or organization and possibly the world. A bit of justice will ultimately prevail. Whether you manage no one or thousands of people, you will be a leader.
Can you do this? In my experience, every person has talents and core beliefs. However, all of us find reasons not to go after what we want or take ownership of deciding what should be done. We say to ourselves, "People won't listen to me. I don't have the power to do this. Others may criticize me. The world isn't fair -- justice doesn't often prevail." As a result, we simply stop trying to figure out what we believe and take action.
When you feel this way, take a break. Maybe a quiet evening, time with family or friends, volunteer for a community non-profit project, go for a run, and forget about your troubles for a few days if possible. Think about your core values and what/who you love. Think about what you want to tell your grandkids about what you accomplished in your life and/or career. Think about situations in your life when you were at your best, made a real impact and, felt great about yourself.
What you do matters. We all have more power and ownership of our lives than we may think. We are each unique and have contributions we can make. What you believe matters. Your actions matter.
Leadership is not about status, or title or money. It's not about how many people you manage or the size of your office. Leadership is about your ability to decide what you believe and then have the courage to act on it. It's about summoning the strength to believe that justice will ultimately prevail and that your actions can make a difference. The turmoil of the last few years has caused some of us to question this belief. Focus your energy on figuring out what you truly believe and act on it. You'll be glad that you did and the world will be better for it.
Robert Steven Kaplan is a Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School and co-chairman of Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, a global venture philanthropy firm. He is the author of "What to Ask the Person in the Mirror", a book published by Harvard Business Press (August 2011).
