Written by: Thibaut Ottomer, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
How to lead when you tend to please. Are you having difficulties to step up as a leader because you are a people pleaser? Do you find yourself struggling speaking up afraid to not be liked by your team? If so, you're not alone. Many leaders are secret people pleasers and struggle with this question: Can I be a strong leader while still being true to my kind self?
As a mindset coach, I've worked with countless individuals who have faced this same dilemma. I too was once a pro people pleaser while leading a company, always seeking validation and afraid to not be accepted by my different teams. But I knew deep down that I had the potential to be a powerful leader. So, I made the plan to discover how I could combine my natural desire to be kind and think of others with the qualities of a strong, effective leader.
And guess what? I found a solution that works smoothly! It's all about finding your own balance and nurturing the unique strengths of a people pleaser. Here are a few tips that can help you become a leader without losing sight of your compassionate nature:
Embrace your empathy: As a people pleaser, you have a keen sense of empathy and can easily understand the emotions and needs of others. Use this to your advantage by creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. Show your team that you genuinely care about their well-being, believe in their potential and be there to lend a listening ear when they need it.
Set clear boundaries: People pleasers often have a hard time saying no, but leaders need to establish boundaries if not they´ll burn out. Practice saying no when necessary and communicate your expectations clearly and often. By setting limits, you show that you're a leader who values their own time and resources, while also keeping an open culture of respect and accountability.
Delegate effectively: People pleasers often feel the need to take on everything themselves to avoid burdening others. However, a true leader knows that delegation is key to productivity and growth. Learn to trust in your team's abilities and assign tasks accordingly. Not only will this ease your own workload, but it will also empower your team members to take ownership of their responsibilities.
Prioritize self-care: Leaders need to be mentally and physically strong to guide their teams effectively. Make time for self-care activities that recharge and renew your energy. Whether it's taking a walk in nature, practicing meditation, or finally starting with that great hobby, prioritize activities that bring you joy and help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. This will show at work and be inspirational to all the people you lead.
So, if you're a people pleaser with aspirations of becoming a leader, don´t hold back! You have the power to embrace your compassionate nature while still stepping into your full inner leadership potential. Remember, it's all about finding the right balance and using your unique strengths.
If you're interested in learning more about my people-pleasing program for passionate leaders, feel free to contact me through my webiste. Together, we can unlock your leadership potential and help you become the confident and influential leader you aspire to be, for yourself and others.
You've got this!
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Thibaut Ottomer, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Thibaut Ottomer is an expert in empowering the mind, boosting self-esteem & building courage. Instead of using his childhood trauma to feel small and guilty, he turned his pain into his purpose by helping people tap into their power with his unique liberation coaching methodology. He is the Founder & Mindset Coach of Liberty Coaching and has coached people all over the world. His mission: to free as many people as possible from their blocks so they can courageously be their amazing Selves.
