Why Leadership Feels so Lonely

“It’s lonely at the top,” an owner shared with me recently.

“You can talk to your spouse, but you have to be thoughtful about how much you share. And when their eyes start glazing over (which doesn’t take long), that’s a sign it’s time to stop. And besides, it’s not the same as being able to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through.”

He went on to share the challenge of not knowing if you’re making the right decisions, like whether to fire someone or keep working with them.

Because I hear this in so many conversations with owners and leaders, I want to share a simple concept that can help guide and transform your decision-making process.

Ask yourself this question... 

“In regards to __________ (the current situation or challenge you’re facing), what is best for __________ (your business or organization) as a whole?”

Most of us see situations from a limited, personal perspective, focusing on how it impacts us directly. This question gives you an opportunity to step back and look at it from a broader lens. What is best for the business or organization as a whole?

It’s not uncommon for leadership teams to struggle with challenging, even toxic, team members.

One retail owner I was coaching was dealing with a particularly difficult member of his leadership team. He tried multiple approaches. He ignored the situation. He coached the individual. He implemented consequences.

Still, the disruptive behavior continued.

In one of our sessions, I said, “Step back and take a broader perspective. Ask yourself what is best for your business, your leadership team, your employees, and your customers.”

He knew instantly it was time for this person to go. As soon as he made the change, he heard things like: “Why didn’t you do that sooner?” “What a relief. This place feels so much better and more relaxed now that she’s gone.”

Not only did the business shift immediately, he seemed like a different owner. His energy was freed up, and his leadership team quickly stepped into a higher level.

I’m not advocating for an automatic response of firing someone. Every situation is personal and unique. You won’t know the right answer until you explore it and engage in honest inquiry.

Your Weekly Bite-Size Action Step and Practice

 Think of a challenging person or situation you’re currently dealing with. Ask yourself this question and notice what comes up. The clarity can be immediate.

 Here’s to you becoming a leader who doesn’t avoid decisions, but grows from them. At work and in life.

P.S. Got leaders in your life who are making hard decisions? Forward this link to a friend or colleague by copying and pasting this link into your email. https://www.impactandprofits.com/post/why-leadership-feels-so-lonely

Leadership Was Never Meant to Be Alone

It’s hard to build a passionate, engaged team when you’re carrying the pressure of leadership alone.

Without a trusted sounding board to help you think through challenges, decisions, and blind spots, it becomes harder to lead with the clarity and consistency your team needs to thrive. 

That’s why I created Lead with Influence, a new 1:1 leadership coaching experience designed to help leaders build teams that care deeply about the work they do. 

Schedule a complimentary Leadership Insight Session to explore the leadership shifts that could have the biggest impact on your team and culture.

This is for you if…

• Leadership feels isolating and you don’t have a trusted place to process challenges

• You want a team with more ownership, passion, and engagement

• You know your leadership shapes your culture, and you’re ready to grow intentionally

  
  

About Leslie

Leslie Cunningham helps small business owners and leaders create teams that care by transforming the leader first. With more than 30 years of experience, she specializes in personal leadership development that builds confident communication, strengthens accountability, elevates ownership, and creates cultures where people are genuinely motivated to perform. Leslie is an award-winning leadership expert, internationally published author, national columnist, and radio personality.

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