If you are leading today, or are preparing to lead at some point, you will experience “Underwater Leadership”.   The feeling that the waves of the demands of the job are breaking over you and you can’t catch your breath. Don’t panic.  Prepare to work through the situation.

Five Steps to Live Through “Underwater Leadership”

• Why asking for help increases your leadership credibility.

Don’t be afraid to ask for others for help. Avoid the attitude of arrogance. By asking for assistance creates the environment that no one person has all the answers.  Yes you are the leader, but the first rule of leadership is to know that you don’t know everything.  It also allows your other team members be creative.

• What to tell people that ask “How is it Going”.

When you start something new, people will often ask “How is it Going”?  You can respond like you have it all under control or you can be honest.  At the beginning, you will have a lot to learn.  Don’t be afraid to admit that your new organization has a lot going on and you have some thing’s to learn. Also reassure them that you will learn what is going on quickly.

• How to avoid the feeling of panic when things come quickly.

When you are in a new environment problem or opportunities can come quickly. You have to remember that each time you always have, to some extent, those feelings of anxiety.  With experience those feeling are managed and directed to the situation. Those feelings isn’t unexpected.  It’s like breaking out of a wave and finally getting your breath even if you go underwater again.

• What to do when you are called on to make tough leadership decisions.

Don’t tell yourself a lie. Don’t tell yourself that you may not be able to figure it out.  Don’t let that voice from the dark side of your brain win out. You will figure out the right decision.  You are in place as a leader because either you or the hiring team has confidence in you.

Always remember a spineless leader is an oxymoron. A strong leader makes a decision and communicates the why often.

• How you can use those “Underwater Experiences” to develop leaders on your team.

Your experience with those times when the waves pull you under and it is hard to catch your breath is exactly why you can develop others.  You have been to the valley and faced the mountain. You have road the wave, crashed, and lived to fight another day.  Because you have the experience of feeling panic, being unsure, and still made the right decision is why you can develop others.

You may start your first day and not even know where your office is. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. When those underwater feelings creep in, know that you have the tools because of experience to make good decisions.

Question of the Week: What underwater experience have you had at work?

Quote of the Week:  “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams