Leadership can sometimes feel isolating and bewildering. As you pioneer new paths, it can be daunting. You might question your choices, longing for understanding from someone who comprehends your journey. Tara Mohr, a women’s leadership speaker and author of Playing Big, reminds us that when we undertake meaningful work, both praise and criticism are inevitable.
Being a leader can be challenging. You may immerse yourself in your mission for a while, but if you are out on your own you eventually may doubt the value of your efforts. The successful leaders I have known have built their behind-the-scenes supports, and they know how to deal with inner criticism.
Building Support Behind the Scenes
Behind-the-scenes support is about creating a sanctuary for yourself. This is a place that nurtures you, provides recovery, and houses people who believe in you. A supportive home base can recharge you, enabling you to give your best when you’re in the spotlight. Your sanctuary might consist of nutritious meals, calming tea, uncluttered spaces, soothing art, and peaceful sounds.
Throughout your week, your sanctuary should also include a peer group who can help you identify blind spots—those dangers and opportunities you might overlook. We all have blind spots, and others can guide us through them.
If your home base is cluttered, laden with comfort food, and centered around streaming entertainment, you’ve built a cocoon, not a sanctuary. A cocoon can shield you from external threats but won’t aid in your recovery. (Based on a true story.)
Dealing with Inner Criticism
Most of us carry an inner critic—a voice that points out our flaws and pushes us to improve. However, this voice can become counterproductive when it continues criticizing even after we’ve made improvements.
I’ve noticed that my inner critic leads me to withdraw when left unchecked. I retreat into that protective but unhealing cocoon.
To escape this cycle, engage in practices that help you evaluate your thoughts’ value. This includes meditation, tidying up, exercising, moderating caloric intake, confiding in a sympathetic friend, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. These are fundamental self-care practices that make it easier for others to follow your lead.
Bottom line, leadership can be a solitary journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Build a supportive home base and learn to manage your inner critic. These practices will not only help you but also make following you more compelling.
