Doubt as a Tool to Improve Leadership with Marc Pitman

Mostly, we think of leadership as epitomizing confidence. We lead, therefore we know. 

But beneath that is a deeper truth, an apparent weakness - vulnerability. But vulnerability can be a leader’s superpower. 

As Concord Leadership Group's founder, Marc Pitman helps leaders lead their teams with greater effectiveness and less stress.  

His latest book is The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be.  

He's also the executive director of TheNonprofitAcademy.com and an Advisory Panel member of Rogare, a prestigious international fundraising think tank. 

Marc's expertise has caught the attention of media organizations as diverse as The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Al Jazeera, Fox News, SUCCESS magazine, and Real Simple.         

In this episode, Marc highlights bringing back the values and humanity into leadership other than just the mechanistic way of leading. 

 

What you will learn from this episode: 

• Find out about the map to leadership, so you know what stage in the four quadrants of leadership you are and learn to manage yourself and your team so you move forward 
• Learn about actionable tips to help in your personal journey as a leader and as a team as you navigate the world of the unknown 
• Learn to find strength in vulnerability and transparency to make that your point of progression in leadership   

 

"Consider, I'll just say, consider listening to… that doubt, that confusion – ‘internal’ we've been told is subjective. It's emotions and that's bad. …  

try to think of them as a partner."  

- Marc Pitman 

 

Topics Covered: 

02:04 - Bringing values and humanity back to business leaders 

03:05 - Helping leaders face the challenge of the unknown 

05:16 - The map to leadership and the two axis  

07:11 - Why feeling doubt is never a moral failing or sign of weakness for leaders 

08:20 - How uncertainty and self-doubt help you figure out how you are as an individual and understand others more 

10:23 - The two personality assessment tools to help leaders in their goal-setting 

12:05 - Looking at the map -- the four quadrants of where you are to help you progress as a leader and as a team 

14:23 - Should everybody be open about their doubts and share them widely with people? 

16:43 - Permitting yourself to think you're the perfect person in the leadership role 

 

Key Takeaways: 

"Some of the best leaders feel like, they must doubt, is a moral failing or a sign of weakness. And it could be that you need professional help, and there's no stigma in that. There are a lot of places to get help. But it could also be that you're really on the verge of greatness." - Marc Pitman 

"Knowing that there's a map, figuring out where you are, where's your process on the four quadrants, and then how do you best be in that quadrant? And not try to short circuit your growth." - Marc Pitman 

"There's strength in vulnerability and being vulnerable. But I would caution leaders to be vulnerable in safe spaces only. Not everybody has your best interests at heart. There are employees or people in your team that are gunning for you." - Marc Pitman 

 

Resources: 

• Get the 4 Quadrants Worksheet FREE: Click here: https://concordleadershipgroup.com/focusedleader/ 

 

Connect with Marc Pitman: 

• Website: https://ConcordLeadershipGroup.com/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcapitman 
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/marcapitman 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/concordleadershipgroup 
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/marcpitman 
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/marcpitman