One of Bobbie LaPorte’s clients recently said, “My company is going through so many changes and struggles right now. I try to do my best every day, but most days I just don’t feel it’s good enough.” Sound familiar? You’re definitely not alone. But as Bobbie explains in her September 19 “Your Best Next Move” video, it’s important to understand that you don’t always have to be an A+ leader.
Transcript of Your Best Next Move: Leaders – It is Okay to be a B Student Sometimes
Hi everyone, Bobbie LaPorte here again with my weekly leadership tip for your Best Next Move, where I help you see continuing curveballs as an opportunity.
It would be an understatement to say that these are challenging times for leaders. From global socio-economic issues that impact every business, to learning to manage remotely, to The Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting, Stakeholder Capitalism (who knows what’s next) – and a workforce that is simultaneously desiring to be autonomous while also sorely in need of reassurance and support. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.
Here is a sample of what I’ve been hearing from clients lately:
- “I am trying to be more empathetic and connected to my team but not sure I am really making a difference”
- “My company is going through so many changes and struggles right now; I try to do my best every day but most days I just don’t feel it’s good enough”
- “I feel like I am failing my team – we just can’t seem to get back to feeling supercharged like we were in the past”
I get it. You wouldn’t be in a leadership role if you didn’t care about the people on your team, and about your vision for what could be. But there’s only so much you – as one person – that you can control – and that’s more true now than ever.
Each day we wake up and it feels like a new world…..one where curveballs seem to keep coming out of nowhere, and you think: “What now?”
Here’s my leadership tip:
I know you want to do your best…and I am guessing that most days you are. I appreciate that you are all high achievers. But somedays – and we are most definitely in those days – it is OK to be a “B” student. You don’t have to, nor can you always aim to be an A+ leader. Really, no one expects that of you.
Realize that, manage your own expectations and give yourself some credit for what you are doing. I’ll bet the people you are leading are more than fine with what you provide on “B” days.
We all need to give ourselves a break sometimes. Like now.
That’s my tip for the week. Try to chill out a bit and I’ll see you next Monday.