Doubt may arrive unannounced. Whether you’ve been given a great work opportunity or told your job is ending, just when you’ve decide to take action, doubt surfaces, slides next to you and whispers
Are you sure?
Do you think this is the right choice?
What if it doesn’t work out?
One of my ex-colleagues was recently offered a huge promotion. It is a big step but she’s completely qualified and more than capable, and has all the right stuff for leadership. But she told me, “One side of my brain tells me I should have this role, and the other side reminds me I may not be good enough.”
Everyone–leaders included–has doubts. Every opportunity or crisis raises our doubt quotient. Too often, doubt is linked with distrust, but doubt actually necessitates the courage to ask challenging questions. Courage, in turn, requires having a voice, trusting others, and taking action. As long as we’re not paralyzed by doubt, it’s a good thing. Sitting with doubt allows self insight as well.
How then do we become comfortable with doubting? By acknowledging that doubt challenges perfectionism. For centuries, scientists and philosophers honed their doubting skills, asking questions to challenge opinions before acting. Seek comfort in the fact that doubt has driven intelligent decisions over the centuries.
One thing is certain–doubting keeps us humble and prepared.
