The one thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word 'leader' is the ability to be decisive. In popular belief, leaders know the way, go the way, and show the way. What if the leader is unsure? Did the leader that inspire you ever face this? True leaders get comfortable being unsure and they recognize their lack of surety. Leaders are not to be confused with people who know it all, or who get their decisions right. Leaders are those who are willing to take on a challenge to attempt solving problems. Sometimes they win, and the other times they lose. Leadership is not a recipe for success. It is the willingness to fail at the risk of succeeding, not the other way.
This blog post is a reminder to the leader in you that you do not need to be sure of how everything works before you take charge of that big consulting organization, the small Catan fan club at your university, or simply just yourself. You are the master of your will, of decisions you make regarding your finances, relationships, academics, career, passion, etc. If you think that indecisiveness stems from the limited control you have over things, leaders also have similar constraints. They acknowledge the variables they can control, double down on them, and keep a watch on the uncontrollable factors. On the tennis court, it is you and your racket that can win you games. You cannot control the variation with which your opponent strikes the ball, the referee who tries to make unbiased decisions, or even the cheering crowd that may like your opponent.
Sometimes, being a leader can put you in a lonely place. Once you recognize your inability to tackle the situation all by yourself, open yourself to receiving help in the form of professional consultation from a mentor or from a casual conversation with a well-wishing peer. It is okay to ask for help. Being adamant by not asking for assistance is a sign of vulnerability. Learning from diverse experiences can give an advantage. The more you challenge yourself, the earlier you will realize your inadequacies and the sooner you will appreciate taking feedback and guidance. After all, the more you learn the less you know.
