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Leading Through Uncertainty When You’re Not at Your Best
The Accidental Leader Episode 39
Join me this episode as I talk all about some of the challenges of leading through uncertain and challenging seasons as a leader. Acknowledging that I have been absent from the podcast for several weeks because I have not been feeling like a great leader myself, I explain the signs that indicate when a leader is not performing at their best such as becoming more reactive instead of proactive, dreading meetings, lacking clarity and vision, and even starting to resent the work and people they once loved.
This is often not about the work itself but rather the underlying uncertainty and pressure to have all the answers, and to diagnose and address this issue, I recommend that leaders ask themselves key questions like, is it just me personally feeling this way? Is the mission unclear? Is it simply a messy season of change and transition?
Identifying the root cause is so important, and listen in as I talk through some strategies to help fix the problem, including pausing before reacting, getting an external perspective from a mentor, revisiting your 'why' and purpose, building confidence through small wins, and, most importantly, taking care of yourself as the leader!
I also highlight the importance of communicating openly and vulnerably with your team about what you're experiencing, building trust and giving permission for the team members to also be their authentic selves. Remember, leadership is not about projecting perfection but is rather about steadying yourself before you fall and showing up even when you don't feel 100%!
Time Stamps:
[00:52] - I open up about feeling like a poor leader and explore the idea of leading through personal uncertainty.
[03:22] - Leadership burnout creeps in subtly, often showing via fear-driven choices, lack of engagement, and emotional exhaustion.
[05:48] - I talk about how diagnosing a leadership slump requires asking whether the problem is you, your mission, or the moment.
[08:14] - Once you identify the cause, it's important to pause, seek perspective, reconnect with your “why,” and gradually rebuild confidence.
[11:25] - Momentum can restore confidence, but actual progress requires self-care, vulnerability, and honest communication with your team.
[14:56] - Leadership means showing up despite doubt and embracing struggle as it happens.
[17:03] - I reflect on my broader impact and how giving up would erase meaningful contributions.
Resources:
The Accidental Leader - Website
yournarketing.co
Bo McDonald on LinkedIn
View all episodes
By Bo McDonald
3.7
33 ratings
The Accidental Leader Episode 39
Join me this episode as I talk all about some of the challenges of leading through uncertain and challenging seasons as a leader. Acknowledging that I have been absent from the podcast for several weeks because I have not been feeling like a great leader myself, I explain the signs that indicate when a leader is not performing at their best such as becoming more reactive instead of proactive, dreading meetings, lacking clarity and vision, and even starting to resent the work and people they once loved.
This is often not about the work itself but rather the underlying uncertainty and pressure to have all the answers, and to diagnose and address this issue, I recommend that leaders ask themselves key questions like, is it just me personally feeling this way? Is the mission unclear? Is it simply a messy season of change and transition?
Identifying the root cause is so important, and listen in as I talk through some strategies to help fix the problem, including pausing before reacting, getting an external perspective from a mentor, revisiting your 'why' and purpose, building confidence through small wins, and, most importantly, taking care of yourself as the leader!
I also highlight the importance of communicating openly and vulnerably with your team about what you're experiencing, building trust and giving permission for the team members to also be their authentic selves. Remember, leadership is not about projecting perfection but is rather about steadying yourself before you fall and showing up even when you don't feel 100%!
Time Stamps:
[00:52] - I open up about feeling like a poor leader and explore the idea of leading through personal uncertainty.
[03:22] - Leadership burnout creeps in subtly, often showing via fear-driven choices, lack of engagement, and emotional exhaustion.
[05:48] - I talk about how diagnosing a leadership slump requires asking whether the problem is you, your mission, or the moment.
[08:14] - Once you identify the cause, it's important to pause, seek perspective, reconnect with your “why,” and gradually rebuild confidence.
[11:25] - Momentum can restore confidence, but actual progress requires self-care, vulnerability, and honest communication with your team.
[14:56] - Leadership means showing up despite doubt and embracing struggle as it happens.
[17:03] - I reflect on my broader impact and how giving up would erase meaningful contributions.
Resources:
The Accidental Leader - Website
yournarketing.co
Bo McDonald on LinkedIn