The Rise of Reluctant Leaders

I got called down to the Vice Principal’s office in the fall of 10th grade.

This was not a normal occurrence. 

I was a good kid. A great student. I never got in trouble.

Still, my palms were sweating as I knocked on the door and took a seat. 

Mr. Montgomery was the new VP that year. Full suit and tie, grey hair. Stern. Known to be strict.

“Okay,” he said, placing his palms on the desk. “You have been selected to be part of a province-wide student leadership program. It’s a four day retreat, next month. What do you think?”

I glanced over my shoulder, checking to see who else was in the room.

“Me?” I asked, confused. “Are you sure you have the right person? I mean, I’m not really a leader…” 

“Yes,” he interrupted with a smile. He didn’t check his notes or confirm my name. “You’re the right person.”

. . .

 Do you want to know why I didn’t think of myself as a leader?  

I wasn’t athletic.

That’s it.

In my high school, athletics and popularity were almost synonymous. So, if you didn’t play sports, no one knew who you were. And you certainly weren’t going to end up on the students' council or any of the teams that “lead” the school.

Looking back on that experience, I feel so sad for that girl. Imagine thinking you couldn’t be a leader because you didn’t like running track!

But that’s what I thought. And it felt completely and absolutely true.

. . .

Everyone has an experience like that, I think. People come to me all the time, reluctant to lead - paralyzed - because of some singular fact that has become all-consuming:

“I don’t have a degree.”

“I don’t have enough experience!”

“I’m too old." 

“I’m too young.” 

“I hate public speaking!” 

“I’m too quiet; no one will listen to me.” 

“I’m too outgoing - no one will take me seriously!” 

“I’m not decisive.” 

“I’m too nice.” 

“I don’t like conflict.” 

There are literally thousands of reasons people think they can’t lead.

Our inner critic is strong.

But, what if those things weren’t as powerful as they seem?

What if you could find the confidence you need to get started?

I coach reluctant leaders. The ones who are hiding in their offices. The ones who are overwhelmed. Who keep cancelling meetings because they don’t know what to put on the agenda.

I do it because I was a reluctant leader. And I know what’s on the other side. 

Confidence. 

Trusting your intuition. 

Seeing your team succeed. 

Leading in a way that matches your values. 

Doing things you never dreamed of…and actually liking it!

What made the difference for me was that camp. 

That’s right, I went. And I learned so much - leading from values, building trust with teams, effective communication - lessons I still draw on 30 years later. 

It marked a fundamental change in the way I thought about myself, and leadership. 

A change I believe is possible for you.

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Learn more HERE.

Are you a reluctant leader? Or do you know someone who is?

I created The Leaders Circle for people just like you.

It’s a course for new leaders, reluctant leaders, “oh-but-I’m-not-really-a-leader” leaders.

We meet six times as a group. And this fall, for the first time, every participant will have two private coaching sessions to make sure we focus on what matters most to you.

You’ll learn simple, transferrable skills. 

You’ll be able to lead in a way that’s consistent with who you are. 

You’ll start - even if you don’t feel ready - and your confidence will follow. 

Critical skills, a community of peers, and a coach.

This is for you.

Will you be in The Leaders Circle?

Learn More