Have you ever landed a leadership role, felt a surge of excitement, followed immediately by a wave of terror? You’re not alone. Many women leaders experience this, feeling overwhelmed and unprepared.
Aren’t you expected to be decisive, knowledgeable, and have all the answers? But what if you don’t? What if that inner voice keeps whispering, “I’m not sure I can do this!”
Psychologists see this as an “imposter syndrome.” Others point to an inner judge sabotaging you. Your mind chatter tricks you into feeling like a fraud, even when you’re perfectly qualified. And guess what? It often manifests as the feeling of “winging it.”
Here’s the secret: sometimes, “winging it” is a superpower!
Think about it. When you must adapt, think on your feet, and tap into your resourcefulness, aren’t these essential leadership skills you have or are developing? I think of a quote attributed to Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Facebook, “Done is better than perfect.” Don’t you think there were times she had to act without all the information? And she did it with confidence and a willingness to learn and adjust.
So how do we embrace the “wing it” feeling and lead with confidence? Here are a few approaches:
- Lean on Your Strengths: You have the skills and experience to succeed. Take stock of what you bring to the table.
- Continuous Learning: The best leaders never stop learning. Embrace the idea that you’ll continue to grow on the job. There are many resources available: leadership courses, coaches, and mentorship programs.
- Project Confidence: This doesn’t mean pretending to know everything. It’s about owning your decisions and actively seeking knowledge to fill in the gaps. Work with others. Be open with your team, the people in your organization, and your supporters.
- Build Your Team: Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, colleagues, and sponsors. These are your cheerleaders and advisors who can help you navigate challenges. They are part of your “organization.”
- Celebrate the Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small.
Leading can be exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. But remember, feeling like you’re “winging it” is a normal part of the journey. Embrace the challenges, focus on your strengths, and build a strong support system. You’ve got this!