I am currently working with a client who is exceptionally passionate about sales and his people – he can literally talk for hours about sales and shares a philosophy with me that sales is the ultimate form of service. He loves his people and would do anything for them to ensure that they are supported and working in a successful environment. However, despite his passion, he shared with me recently that he feels as though he is struggling within himself – he can feel self doubt creeping in, as well as a drop in confidence. He even shared with me that he is now wondering whether he is worthy of leading the team forward – is he the right man for the job?

Self doubt and a lack of confidence can have a significantly adverse effect on the team, even if members of the team are optimistic and upbeat, because, ultimately, the team is a reflection of the leader. If the leader is suffering from a lack of confidence, it won’t take long for this lack of confidence to play out in the team. As we discussed his feelings, we explored a number of key principles around leadership, dominated by the principle that to effectively lead his team, he must first be able to lead himself. Here are 7 key principles we discussed in detail to help him better lead himself : Continue reading →