Overcoming Leadership Hesitation

What holds potential leaders back?

Often, it's not a lack of capability but self-imposed barriers. "I'm not experienced enough." "That's not my responsibility." "Someone else will probably handle it."

These thoughts keep countless capable people from stepping into leadership moments where their contribution is needed.

Fear of criticism underlies many leadership hesitations. We worry about overstepping boundaries, being judged for our approach, or facing resistance.

This fear is natural.

Leadership inherently involves visibility and vulnerability.

But effective leaders develop what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a "growth mindset," viewing criticism as valuable feedback rather than personal rejection. They understand that leadership skills develop through practice, including the inevitable missteps along the way.

Another common barrier is the misconception that leadership requires charisma or dramatic action.

In reality:

“Quiet, consistent leadership often creates the most lasting impact.”

The teammate who reliably follows through on commitments, the colleague who checks in on others' wellbeing, the neighbour who consistently maintains shared spaces. These "everyday leaders" may not make headlines, but their influence shapes the culture around them in profound ways.

Hesitation sometimes stems from uncertainty about timing. When is it appropriate to step up?

A useful guideline is what management expert Seth Godin calls "the responsibility of the moment."

When you notice something that needs addressing and you're in a position to help, even partially, that's your leadership moment.

The qualification isn't your title or tenure; it's your presence and awareness when a need arises.

Perfectionism paralyses potential leaders. They wait until they have the perfect solution, the perfect words, or the perfect plan before taking action. Meanwhile, opportunities pass and problems persist.

Effective leaders embrace what military strategists call the "70% solution", acting when they have reasonable confidence rather than complete certainty. They understand that in most situations, thoughtful action now is better than perfect action later.

The final barrier is often the belief that leadership requires permission. In hierarchical environments, especially, we're conditioned to wait for authorisation before taking initiative.

But the most valuable leadership frequently happens when someone acts at the edge of their authority, not overstepping boundaries, but fully utilising the agency they already possess.

As management expert Liz Wiseman observes in her research, the most effective leaders are those who maximise their impact within whatever scope they have, rather than waiting for expanded authority.

To overcome these hesitations, start small. Look for low-risk leadership opportunities where you can practice taking initiative. Volunteer to lead a small project. Speak up in a meeting when you have relevant input. Organise a social event for your team.

Each small leadership action builds confidence for larger ones, creating a positive cycle of growth.

When you find yourself hesitating to lead, ask this question: If not you, then who? If not now, then when? Leadership isn't about having all the answers or perfect conditions, it's about being willing to start the journey that others may be waiting to join.