In the last 6 months, I have looked into the eyes of some overwhelmed leaders. You are both in a tough position, because the team looks to you for strength and leadership, and yet you are human and hit the ceiling like anyone else.
- Who does the Integrator turn to for support? The Visionary
- Who does the Visionary turn to for support? The Integrator
- What if you sit in both seats? See below
Both of you should find a peer group in which you can feel safe to talk. Some examples include Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), Vistage, Young Presidents Organization (YPO) or, in West Michigan, Jandernoa Entrepreneurial Mentoring (JEM). Having a mentor or finding another peer group that meets monthly can also be a great place to get some help.
The most powerful thing you can do is to admit to your team that you are hitting the ceiling and then do something about it. Remember our first conversation about being a good leader is a lot like being a good parent?
- Have a few rules
- Repeat often
- Walk the talk
If you don’t walk the talk on taking care of yourself so you don’t hit the ceiling, your team won’t either – it is that simple.
Make sure you are supporting each other (or getting support from an outside group) and you are walking the talk when it comes to being your best.
TIP: Remember the Back to the Basics Checklist under the toolbox tab (p. 33) to help you think through what you need to do to break through the ceiling. And contact me if you need more help.