Stepping into leadership can feel scary and isolating – especially when self-doubt is telling you that you’re not ready to lead. If you’ve ever thought, “I need more experience”, “I need another degree”, or “I don’t have what it takes,” you’re not alone. Many Women of Color in leadership roles struggle with imposter syndrome, feeling like they don’t belong or need to prove themselves. But the truth is, you ARE ready for leadership and it’s time to step confidently into your position.
Leadership Philosophy Pillar 3: Leadership is earned, not demanded
Here’s how I know you are ready for leadership:
- Your Lived Experience is Leadership Training –
Leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about influence, decision-making, and guiding others. You’re already doing it in your home, in your community, in your faith-based institution, in your children’s school, and most likely in your job. If you are the coworker that everyone asks for assistance, information, and opinions, you are leading. It’s time to stop downplaying your impact and achievements. You definitely earned this.
- You Are Willing to Learn –
One of the biggest misconceptions about leadership is that you need to know everything about everything before stepping into leadership. You have likely experienced a couple bad leaders and know that is not true, but you hold yourself to a higher standard. In reality, great leaders are lifelong learners who learn as they lead. Every successful leader once faced uncertainty but moved forward anyway. Leadership is about being resourceful, learning from mistakes, operating in integrity, and surrounding yourself with people who complement your strengths. Leadership demands continuous growth.
- Take Action –
If you wait until you feel 100% ready, you’ll be waiting forever. Confidence plus competence equals credibility. You already have the skills, but true confidence is built through action. The more you challenge yourself, the more capable you’ll feel. Start by taking small leadership opportunities: lead a project, mentor someone, or voice your ideas in meetings. Each step reinforces your ability to lead.
Don’t let self-doubt hold you back any longer. You don’t need to wait for permission to lead. You already have the capability, experience, and motivation to successfully step into leadership. Trust yourself, take action, and embrace the leader within.
Check out video 3 of my Leadership Philosophy video playlist on the More Than Social Work with Nicki Sanders YouTube channel.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more leadership development strategies…and share with a VIP in your life who can benefit.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, is committed to career development, professional development, and organizational development. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams, volunteer recruitment and retention, and social impact programming. She is a thought leader dedicated to dismantling the outdated, narrow view of social work and an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. She is a lover of nature, cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
© 2025 Copyright Protected. ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED.