Building Leadership Presence

I used to have a very bad habit. I would apologize in advance for what I perceived to be my shortcomings or weaknesses. In fact, sometimes I still do. Luckily I have some great friends and colleagues who don’t hesitate to point it out to me.

Why did I do it so often? I thought it was a way to protect myself in the event that my ideas had flaws.

“I’m sorry if this is a bad idea, but…”

“I’m pretty sure you aren’t going to like this, and I’m sorry, but…”

“I’m sorry if this is not what you had in mind…”

What I did not understand is how, when using these phrases, I wasn’t protecting myself. Instead, I was prepping the listener to question my credibility. And when I do that, I am actually contributing to wasted time and a lack of clarity. 

The moment the listener hears my disclaimer in the form of an apology, they begin to ask question like, “Can she really be trusted?” or “Does she know her stuff?” or “Why is she the leader?”

I’m not suggesting you puff yourself up with bravado when pitching an idea you aren’t 100% certain is the right one. 

What I am suggesting is that you speak the truth in a bold and powerful way.

“Hey, I’ve got an idea. I’m not sure it is exactly the right one. But it is a start and I’d like to get your feedback.”

Regardless of the role you are in right at this moment, every time you speak, you are writing the story of your leadership presence. So stop with the apologies and begin developing the leadership presence you want to be remembered for.