Leading Through Fear

by Lakeya Cherry, DSW-C, MSSW

When I dare to be powerful - to use my strength in the service of my vision - then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid. Audre Lorde

     I used to be afraid. I still am sometimes, but I realized that this fear was getting in the way. It was getting in the way of me living the life I’ve always envisioned and being the leader I want to be. You see, I suffer from impostor syndrome.

     Many women and people from marginalized backgrounds experience feelings of not belonging or being “good enough.” Anyone can be affected by this. It’s just not spoken about often. Because it’s not spoken about, those who have it tend to be afraid. They let the inner thoughts of doubt and negativity creep up and prevent them from living their best life - from leading.

     Well, you know what? I am tired of being afraid. I am tired of not taking risks. I am tired of holding myself back from opportunity. I was born to lead.

     This is something that never truly goes away - this feeling of not being “good enough.” Oftentimes, it is situational in nature. However, awareness of it - naming it and calling it out - allows one to process, cope, and ideally overcome it.

     Knowing what I know, I feel it is my duty as a leader to call it out, to normalize it, and to let others know: It is okay. We got this. We will be okay.

     As a social work leader, I’ve had the privilege of working with many social workers from around the world. One thing I’ve observed is that I am not alone in my feelings of impostor syndrome. The more I’ve shared, the more others have shared that they, too - regardless of age, race, gender or background - also experience these feelings from time to time. Sometimes, there’s even an acknowledgment of feeling guilty for having these thoughts and focusing on one’s self (Hello, self-care?). We can be solution-focused with our clients, so how come we don’t do the same for ourselves?

     Although I get this and understand the background behind this sentiment, I believe we need to focus more on ourselves. One of my favorite quotes from Brené Brown is, “Who we are is how we lead.” How can you truly know yourself - who you are, your values, strengths, and areas for improvement - if you never devote time and attention to “managing oneself”?

     How can we lead effectively if we don’t even know who we are? How can we be advocates for others if we can’t advocate for ourselves?

     We are enough. We are powerful.

     This “internal” work is not easy, but it is important.

     I challenge you to be the leader you were meant to be. #socialworkerslead

Lakeya Cherry, DSW-C, MSSW, is the Chief Executive Officer of The Network for Social Work Management, an international membership organization dedicated to strengthening social work leadership in health and human services. Under her leadership, the Network has grown globally and introduced new, innovative programming that meets the needs of social work and human services leaders everywhere.