If you’re reading this, you belong in your leadership position.
On more than one occasion I have had to remind myself of this. I have always thought of myself as a leader, and have served in many leadership roles, but have never embraced it fully in my mind to a level where I know that I belong.
Constantly doubting your abilities and performance in your roles as a leader in clubs, organizations, and other extracurricular activities is far more common than you may think. I have come to learn that even the most outwardly put together and seemingly organized leaders tend to think they are doing an inadequate job. As a community of many leaders, we need to put less emphasis on the outward expression of perfection and seeking achievement. So long as you do your work for the right reasons, enriching the community, serving your stakeholders, and preserving the institution which you serve, you will surely be on the path of a successful leader.
Don’t confuse being comfortable in your position with doing less or lower quality work. Always lead to the best of your abilities and make sure you are devoting the proper amount of time to a task and a role. All too often a driven and inspiring leader who has what it takes to be successful finds themselves spread too thin and unable to complete any work to the degree that they know is up to the proper standards. Don’t be afraid to turn down leadership positions when you know you have too much on your plate already. That is not only a sign of maturity but a great leader.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is one of the surest signs of a good leader, to know when you alone cannot do it all. Asking for help is good for not only completing a task but also reviewing your work and asking for advice. In most settings, there are typically predecessors in the leadership roles you take on and they are the greatest resource to reach out to. If not for help on one particular topic or problem, ask about how they dealt with the stress and difficulties that you face on the job. Many times, they will have had the same issues or ones like them and be able to provide invaluable feedback specific to your particular circumstance.
If you are reading this, you belong in your leadership role. You can accomplish more than you think, and you are never alone in doubting yourself from time to time. Don’t let the negative and doubtful thoughts invade the good work that are currently doing or influence the work you will continue to do. You are exactly where you are meant to be.
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-Sawyer M., University of South Carolina Class of ‘22
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