Why It's Impossible to Lead from the Darkness: Making the Difficult Choices to Emerge into the Light
By Jayson Krause, Managing Director of Level 52 & Award-Winning Author of The Science Behind Success
In the challenging world of business leadership, there's a common pitfall that ensnares many: the trap of transactional duties. It starts like a rut and then with each day of that spinning wheel it digs you so deep, you find yourself buried in the darkness. A dark tunnel forms from you being so focused on the minutiae that the broader vision becomes obscured. This is not leadership and it's not management. And while management is necessary, it's not the role of a senior leader.
Leadership is about vision, about forward-thinking, about developing others. It's about lighting the way for others to follow. But how can one light the way if they themselves are in the dark? The simple answer is, they can't.
When a leader is overwhelmed, overworked, and under pressure, they're operating from a place of darkness. They're firefighting, not leading. They're surviving, not thriving. And this darkness doesn't just affect them; it permeates their team, their work, and even their personal life.
So, how does a leader emerge from this darkness?
Acknowledge the Darkness: The first step is to acknowledge the situation. As Jayson Krause writes in "The Science Behind Success," "If you don’t think you are the problem, you are definitely the problem." Recognize that you're in the dark and that you need to find a way out.
Delegate and Develop: Leaders often fall into the trap of doing everything themselves. But a true leader develops others to share the load. Delegate tasks, empower your team, and free up your time to focus on the bigger picture.
Prioritize and Plan: Not all tasks are created equal. Identify what's truly important and focus on that. Create a plan that aligns with your vision and stick to it.
Seek Support: Leadership can be a lonely place, but it doesn't have to be. Seek support from mentors, coaches, or trusted colleagues. As Krause points out, "Once you give yourself permission to not know everything, you can seek the partnership and collaboration needed to support your mission."
Take Care of Yourself: Leadership isn't just about taking care of others; it's about taking care of yourself too. Make time for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. A burnt-out leader is a leader in the dark.
Remember, it's impossible to lead from the darkness. But with acknowledgment, delegation, prioritization, support, and self-care, any leader can step into the light.
