Getting on With It

I read an interview recently titled, Getting on with it. It featured Helen Mirren the morning after she co-presented at the Golden Globe Awards. From the outside, it would be hard to look at Helen Mirren without seeing a confident and self-assured woman. Yet in her interview she states that, “I was terrified going out on that stage.” She also mentioned that she is always antsy when starting a new job, thinking ‘Will they like me?’, ‘Will I be good enough?’ and ‘Will I remember my lines?’.

If Helen Mirren is terrified of walking on stage and still has doubt about her ability to act after 54 years in the industry, then how do we mere mortals deal with such thoughts?

Fear holds us back

When I speak to clients interested in Thought Leadership, it is their fear that normally holds them back. Thoughts such as ‘I don’t like public speaking’, ‘What if no one is interested in what I write?’ or ‘What if they don’t like what I say?’ are quite common.

The process I take people through moves them along the spectrum of realising what they have to say and write is of value. I know the frameworks they learn will help them to communicate their ideas in a more effective and unique way. With guidance I can move them along the spectrum of Thought Hoarder to Thought Leader. However, the first step of ‘Am I good enough?’ is pivotal for each individual to overcome.

Take the lead from Helen

This is where we can take the lead from Helen Mirren. In the article it suggested that the reason we have never seen these moments of fear in Mirren is because, in her own words, “I rejected the attention-seeking side of telling everyone how scared I was, and looking for sympathy. Now I just put my chin up and do the British thing of getting on with it quietly.”

Increasing your industry influence involves stepping on to the stage, both physically (speaking) and/or virtually (writing). You may find this prospect terrifying but take the advice from Helen Mirren to help you get over the first hurdle and I can help you with the rest.

P.S. My March Thought leadership Intensive program is sold out. However, we are now taking registrations for the next program on 16^thand 17^thJuly. Places are strictly limited to 14 people and you can find out more information by downloading the brochure here.

If you are interested in Thought Leadership for your team then contact Elise to set up a time where I can discuss an internal program.