Ever notice how every leadership book, blog post, or article pretty much says the same thing?
Transparency. Communication. Empowering your team. Curiosity over intelligence. Avoiding micromanagement. The list goes on. And yet, despite the endless supply of leadership advice, we’re still surrounded by bad leadership. It’s not just a few isolated incidents in obscure corners of the corporate world—it’s everywhere. Businesses, governments, nonprofits, the military—you name it.
So, what gives? Why, with all this knowledge at our fingertips, do toxic workplaces and ineffective leadership still run rampant?
The Search for the “Key”
Most people approach leadership development the same way they’d approach fixing a leaky faucet—by looking for a tool, a technique, or a quick hack that will solve the problem. They read about the habits of great leaders, study case studies, and look for the “key” that will unlock their own leadership potential.
But here’s the issue: Leadership isn’t about copying someone else’s actions—it’s about understanding yourself first.
The Real Barrier to Leadership Growth: Fear
If you want to become a great leader, the first thing you have to face isn’t a missing skillset—it’s your own fears:
- Fear of being wrong
- Fear of looking silly
- Fear of not knowing the answer
- Fear of being criticized
- Fear of letting someone down
- Fear of getting fired
- Fear of not being perfect
Here’s a truth that often gets overlooked: Good leaders are not flawless. They don’t have all the answers. They don’t walk around with an air of invincibility. What sets them apart is that they acknowledge their fears and move forward anyway—with trust, creativity, and a deep understanding of both themselves and the people they lead.
The Leadership Shift: Start with YOU
So, does this mean you should stop reading leadership books? Should you abandon learning from great leaders?
Of course not.
But before you start looking outward for strategies and insights, take a moment to look inward. Check in with yourself. Set aside your ego. Strip away the narrative you’ve built about who you think you are as a leader and do some honest, non-judgmental reflection. Where do you struggle? What do you avoid? What personal roadblocks are keeping you from leading effectively?
Accept that growth requires discomfort, humility, and ownership. That is the first real step toward intentional leadership growth. Not another book, not another seminar—just a willingness to do the hard work of self-awareness.
Because the truth is, leadership isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you are.
If you struggle with this, or don’t know where to start, reach out to take the next step toward being the leader you envision. tom@sicolainsights.com We can’t fix you because you aren’t broken. You’re just stuck.