Leadership is lonely

Regardless of whether you are in a large organisation or you happen to be a self-employed business owner; leadership can be lonely.

By Louisa Scanlan, Collaborate.

Leaders are required to make significant investment decisions, develop plans for an organisational re-structure or to complete an acquisition, all of which have an impact on the people working for them.

I’ve spoken to many leaders who are all too aware of the impact of their decisions; responsibility to ensure that their staff can still pay the mortgage and feed a family can weigh heavily.

Leaders benefit from seeing first hand the impact of a great decision, driving forward a motivated team and being the figurehead of success for the business but sometimes it helps to talk things through.

Who do you turn to during those lonely moments when you need some guidance, someone to bounce ideas with or just a shoulder to cry on?

I always valued having a coach in my corporate role and learnt a great deal about myself as well as working through some challenging business issues and it is something I continue to do now I have my own business.

I have had the pleasure of being able to coach and mentor other business leaders; providing them with sounding board.

As leaders, we don’t always have someone to turn to in the business so looking outside could provide you with the support you need. To prevent leadership loneliness have you developed a board of advisors who can assist you in key decision making or a trusted peer group with whom you can share experiences? Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely.