6 Ways to Overcome Leadership Obstacles

What stops a leader from making an impact? It rarely has to do with their title, position or authority because that is not what leadership is about. Below, we highlight 6 tips for overcoming obstacles to leadership that will help you move forward:

1. Focus on the goal:

Your end goal, and not your obstacles, should be at top of mind. If you dwell too much on the obstacles, you will not move forward in your leadership strides and will only end up wasting valuable timing and resources. Rather, view each obstacle as a one step closer to your end goal and as a valuable lesson well learned.

2. Change your behavior:

If you behave the same each time and stay rigid in your approaches, you will end up facing the same obstacles over and over again. Each time you encounter an obstacle, you should ask yourself “how might I behave differently next time”. Perhaps, take a different approach to meeting your end or seek the assistance or expertise of other staff members.

3. Find the courage to change the situation that’s out of alignment:

Fear of criticism is a major obstacle to leadership and creative thinking. Typically it is triggered by the desire of the leader to be liked and approved by others. As a result, you have made the decision that if you want to get along, you have to go along. That’s not true. You’re only as valuable as you convince others to believe you are. And the only way you will convince them is by providing them with original and meaningful insight.
4. Have a Clear Vision:

This can seem illusive. However without a clear vision, you’ll end up unconsciously reacting to circumstances, retorting other people’s demands and resisting unwanted experiences. Successful leaders are proactive rather than reactive in controlling the results of the team and ensuring that their vision is being upheld.

5. Don’t settle for less:

Know what you desire; and know your negotiation points. In other words, what are you willing to let go of, and what are your absolutes? Be infinitely flexible in your communication, but don’t cave.

6. Have Confidence In Yourself:

Your thoughts create your reality. If you believe in yourself and what you are doing, a solution will appear.