There is fundamental difference between Becoming (made) a leader and being a leader. So, when they were made a leader most of the time people feel, it is their privilege, they have worked hard and sacrificed many things in their life to become a business leader. And now they have the power to influence the decision and resource of the organization and business they manage. As a result, they misuse their power being at that leadership position. Every country in this world has many examples of such leaders.
Being a leader is your responsibility where you have the opportunity to create many possibilities in the life of the people to empower & transform them to bring our best of them and help them become future business leaders.
It is the awareness of responsibility as a leader which makes people an effective leader.
It is up to you to decide whether you are a leader by character or you have become a leader by profession. Having said that the role of a business leader is always challenging. If leadership is your passion these all challenges will create many possibilities for you, for people in your world and the organization too. But if leadership is your profession, then these challenges can often lead to a lack of satisfaction and fulfillment in your lives.
Here are some reasons for dissatisfaction in a business leader’s Life:
High Expectations and Pressure: Business leaders often operate in high-pressure environments with expectations to deliver results consistently. The constant pressure can lead to stress and dissatisfaction.
Never-Ending Responsibilities: Leadership roles come with a multitude of responsibilities. The never-ending nature of these responsibilities, coupled with the weight of decision-making, can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.
Loneliness at the Top: Leaders may feel isolated at the top of the organizational hierarchy. The burden of leadership can be lonely, and leaders may find it challenging to share their concerns or seek support.
Balancing Act: Juggling professional and personal responsibilities can be challenging. Business leaders may struggle to find a balance between work and personal life, leading to dissatisfaction in either or both areas.
Constant Change and Uncertainty: The business environment is dynamic, and leaders must navigate constant change and uncertainty. This can create stress and a sense of instability, impacting overall satisfaction.
Criticism and Scrutiny: Leaders are often under scrutiny, both internally and externally. The fear of criticism and the pressure to meet stakeholders' expectations can contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction.
Lack of Recognition and Appreciation: Despite their efforts, leaders may feel that their contributions go unnoticed or unappreciated. Recognition and appreciation are crucial for job satisfaction.
Personal Sacrifices: Leaders may make personal sacrifices for the sake of their professional roles, such as spending less time with family or neglecting personal interests. Over time, these sacrifices can lead to a sense of emptiness.
Unrealistic Goals: Setting unrealistic goals or being driven by unattainable standards can create a perpetual cycle of dissatisfaction, as leaders may never feel they have reached their desired level of success.
Failure to Align with Values: If a leader's personal values are not aligned with the organization's values or if they feel ethically compromised, it can lead to a deep sense of dissatisfaction.
“Being Charged” and being in charge is the true differentiation of being a leader and becoming a leader. Being a true leader, you are always charged with your vision and passion to take the charge and responsibility of the people in your world and organization to further empower and transform them to help them becoming future leader.
It's important for leaders to actively address these challenges by seeking support, practicing self-awareness, and finding strategies to achieve a healthier work-life balance. At India coaching federation (ICF) we have empowered and transformed many business and corporate leaders to experience satisfaction and fulfillment in their life by our “Discover your Leadership Within” program.