7. Untrained and Unsure
You don’t think you know how to lead.
Believing you don’t know how to lead is one of the biggest excuses holding people back. Leadership isn’t about having a title, a degree, or some innate talent—it’s a skill developed through action, reflection, and growth.
Leadership is a Journey, Not a Destination
Leadership isn’t a checklist of traits you either have or don’t. It’s a process of continuous learning, self-reflection, and adaptation. You’re not born a leader—you become one by taking action.
Think of leadership like a road trip. You might have a destination in mind, but the path is yours to navigate. You’ll hit roadblocks, detours, and unfamiliar territory, but each challenge strengthens your ability to lead.
Every Interaction is a Leadership Opportunity
Leadership isn’t reserved for big decisions or executive roles. It’s present in everyday interactions, including how one communicates, collaborates, and responds to challenges.
Practice Leadership Daily:
Listen actively and seek to understand.
Adapt your communication style to different people.
Give constructive feedback and offer solutions.
Take responsibility instead of waiting for direction.
Every conversation is a chance to lead. Pay attention to how people respond to you, adjust, and improve.
Fear of the Unknown is a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Fear of mistakes, criticism, and failure holds people back from leadership. However, avoiding leadership roles only reinforces the belief that one is not ready.
Break the Cycle:
Fear is normal—face it and act anyway.
Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of it.
Growth comes from stepping into discomfort.
Seasoned leaders still face doubt, but they push through. The only way to build confidence is to act despite uncertainty.
Embrace the Challenge
Leadership isn’t easy. It requires courage, resilience, and the ability to handle discomfort. If you’re waiting to “feel ready,” you’ll be waiting forever.
Strengthen Your Leadership Muscle:
Treat challenges as opportunities to grow.
Take on responsibilities outside your comfort zone.
Learn from mistakes and keep adjusting.
Just like building physical strength requires resistance, leadership develops through real-world challenges. Lean into them.
The Only Way to Learn is to Do
You can read all the books and attend all the workshops, but leadership is learned through action. Theory means nothing without practice.
Start Leading Now:
Volunteer for a project.
Offer to mentor someone.
Speak up in meetings.
Make a tough decision.
Leadership isn’t about waiting for permission. Step up, take action, and refine as you go.
Action: Leadership is a Learning Profession Without End
Leadership isn’t about reaching a final level of expertise—it’s about continuous growth. Every challenge, conversation, and decision is an opportunity to improve.
Commit to the Process:
Say yes to leadership opportunities.
Seek and apply feedback.
Keep learning, adapting, and leading.
No one starts fully prepared. The only way to become a leader is to lead. Take the first step today.
What’s Your Excuse for Not Leading?
Now that you’ve identified your excuse, how will you transform it into a call to action?
Leadership is about choices—the choice to rise above self-doubt, to learn from failure, to embrace service over fear, and to step forward even when it feels easier to stay still. Sometimes, you must soar independently, relying on your instincts, intellect, and courage to navigate uncharted skies. Other times, you’ll fly alongside others, finding strength in shared purpose, collaboration, and mutual encouragement.
Leadership is a learning profession whether you lead alone or with your flock. Will you stay grounded by excuses, or will you spread your wings, own your choices, and soar?
The world needs leaders like you. I think It’s time for you to soar.
Ready to Keep Learning?
Browse our FREE digital downloads, including worksheets, tools, and insights designed to help you lead on purpose.
No fluff, just practical resources you can use right away.