Nope, it does not include the lack of skills. That’s the easiest barrier to address. When we talk about the barriers to leadership, we are not referring to the technical skills required to lead a team. Instead, we are talking about the psychological and emotional barriers that prevent individuals from becoming effective leaders. In this article, we will explore two major barriers to leadership: selfishness and fear.
SELFISHNESS
Selfishness can cause someone to not be motivated to lead. They’d be more interested in using authority and influence to manipulate or coerce people into doing things. People in authority who are motivated by personal gain or self-interest are not interested in others’ long-term gain. Managers who are not leaders are more interested in compliance than alignment and motivation. They don’t care about how employees feel as long as they are doing a decent enough job of doing what they are told. Training doesn’t change this. People in authority must first choose to care about the welfare and the future of their people in order to be called leaders. When employees sense that people in authority don’t care, they stop caring as well, this could lead to departure, quiet quitting, or unethical behaviors that ruin an organization’s reputation. Sounds familiar?
FEAR
The other major barrier to leadership is fear. Leadership is scary, especially for people who do not like to assert themselves. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, and fear of making difficult decisions can all prevent individuals from taking on leadership roles. However, true leaders are not deterred by fear. They recognize the challenges and the chances of success, and they are inspired by their vision. True leaders are courageous and are willing to take risks in pursuit of their goals.
CHOOSE WELL
The key to overcoming these barriers to leadership is to choose your leader well. Look for someone who is motivated by a shared vision and is committed to serving the needs of the team. A good leader is inclusive and inspires trust and loyalty among their followers. They are not motivated by personal gain or selfish goals but instead, seek to create a better future for everyone.
I often say that a wrong hire will not be corrected by training, the same is true in promoting people who do not have the heart of a leader.
Leadership is not just about technical skills. It requires emotional intelligence, courage, and a willingness to serve the needs of the team. Selfishness and fear are two major barriers to effective leadership, but with the right mindset and approach, they can be overcome. As we look for leaders to guide us or our organization, we must choose wisely and seek out those who are committed to a shared vision and are willing to take risks to achieve it.
