Get Out of Your Way

When people fail in their responsibility to lead themselves, it’s usually not because of something external to them or their situation. It’s due to the fact that they get in their own way. Ever hear of the expression, “He’s his own worst enemy”?

Sure, there are many barriers that can block someone’s path and potential, everything from lack of resources to poor support from the boss or organization. But when you really take a close look at what prevents people from excelling and achieving their dreams, it’s usually due to their own mindsets and actions.

What are some of the common roadblocks? Over the years, MAP has seen clients shortchanging their own development for any number of reasons. For instance, one client had a habit of constantly using bad language both with his staff as well as when communicating in more public situations, such as at industry-wide conferences and speaking engagements. Despite his clear intelligence and status as a leader, people were put off by his abrasive communication style. It prevented his ability to gain sustained respect, build partnerships, and achieve what could have been even more monumental success. He was in his own way.

In another classic case, a company CEO in the health-care industry cared too much about her patients. How was that possible? Well, she cared so much about personally tending to her current patients that she couldn’t let go and delegate this responsibility to others. Consequently, she had no time to focus on growing her business. Meanwhile, a large audience of potential patients remained just that—potential versus real, paying ones. She was in her own way.

At the root of these and many other common issues are fundamental barriers around poor self-esteem, inability, and lack of knowledge or understanding. If given the power, these core obstacles can become career stallers. Unchecked, their symptoms can manifest into ways that make it impossible to move forward and excel.

Fortunately, you can control many things in life. You are one of them. When it comes to your stuff or your baggage, it’s your call whether these obstacles, anything you’re allowing to get in your way, get to keep their power. You have the final say on whether they will prevent you from doing or getting what you want from your leadership—and your life. You are the master of your attitudes and the driver behind your habits. Considering that we all tend to get in our way at some point, here are some ways to note and nix the problem if, indeed, you are the problem:

Understand your barriers. Sometimes people go through the motions of their job, operating in a sort of “darkness” in which it is impossible for them to see what’s happening around them. They may sense some barriers in their midst, but they need a light to see what those problems are and how they’re affecting themselves and others. That was the case for one of MAP’s clients whose addiction to excessive smoking was driving her co-workers crazy. Despite the fact that this individual had considerable talent, she took smoke breaks all the time. MAP’s consultant gave her this feedback and then asked her some tough “why” questions. A lot of tough stuff emerged. She realized it was mainly her habit that was not popular with her team and it could affect her health. The willingness to receive feedback and the courage to dig deep and get clarity turned the light on. This allowed her to see what was really going on and gave her the information she sought—a hard truth she needed to know.

Acknowledge that it’s up to you to change. After MAP’s client realized her smoking habit was a real, sizeable barrier to success, she took ownership of the problem and recognized it was time to quit. Quitting would take courage. It would take discipline. But it was the only solution for creating better relationships with her people, raising morale, and boosting productivity. She realized two important truths: your behaviors and mindsets belong only to you, and it’s your job to own them and change for the better.

If you don’t know what your barriers are, it’s impossible to figure out how to tear them down. So carve out the time to reflect on what’s blocking your potential. If you struggle figuring it out, get feedback from others you trust. Also, explore possible triggers around identified barriers, those situations that initiate bad habits. Spotting these roadblocks and knowing what drives them will provide direction around how to tear them down.

Realize the power of you. You have the power to set yourself up for growth and development. In this example of MAP’s client, it was liberating for her to realize one of her biggest problems was a habit tied directly and only to herself. Tough as it would be to quit, kicking the habit was something she could control. This understanding created a sense of freedom that empowered her. The insight gave her the motivation she needed to quit. In the end, she did quit, much to the delight of her co-workers, family, and friends.

A powerful aspect to your leadership growth will involve a process for identifying your barriers, taking ownership of them, and then knocking them down. Getting out of your own way is part of leading yourself. Success with this area of development will be determined by your willingness to own your problems, remain strong in the face of temptation, and make wise choices.

In Summary: The Disciplined Leader knows what an Achilles Heel is and how to keep it from getting the best of him or her. Likewise, many times, the biggest obstacle to growth and development is you. Realize that you have complete power to get out of your own way and remove those self-made and self-sustained barriers to positive change. But first, you must uncover them; they are hidden from you but likely in plain sight of those around you.