If You’re Feeling Lonely On Your Leadership Journey, You’re Not Alone

If you’re feeling lonely on your leadership journey, you’re not alone.

Too many executives and business owners that I talk to experience this.

They’ve found themselves grappling with big decisions without a trusted confidant to bounce ideas off of or feel a sense of isolation despite being surrounded by their team.

In a more recent survey of 100 senior leaders by CTO Craft, almost 97% had felt lonely as a leader at one point or another due to a lack of connection with colleagues.

Yet, loneliness isn't just a personal struggle; it can have profound effects on your leadership effectiveness and overall well-being. From decision-making fatigue to a lack of creative spark, its impact can affect your professional life.

If you’ve found yourself feeling this way, consider these steps:

1️⃣ Practice Self-Compassion: Remember to be kind to yourself amidst the challenges you’re sure to face. Assess your strengths honestly, show yourself grace for areas of weakness, and determine your path forward. Grant yourself permission to seek assistance when needed.

2️⃣ Create Space to Connect: Carve out time for connection amidst the hustle and bustle of your schedule. Despite the demands of life and back-to-back meetings, purposefully blocking time in your calendar to foster genuine connections is vital.

3️⃣ Get to Know Your Peers: As you navigate the complexities of leadership, it's important to figure out who you can trust in your network. Take your time to understand the people around you. Look for those who share similar values and aspirations as you. Spend more time with them to build stronger relationships.

4️⃣ Cultivate Connections: Foster authentic relationships with individuals, both within and beyond your organization. Having trusted confidants can provide fresh perspectives, emotional backing, and invaluable guidance as you navigate the tough decisions that come with leadership.

Being a leader is undeniably challenging. Remember, we're all doing our best with the knowledge and skills we have. But don’t be afraid to seek support. You don't have to do it alone. Whether it's hiring someone to help you reach your goals, asking for assistance, or finding resources to support you, embracing help sets you up for success.