There comes a point in many careers when what once worked so well no longer seems to get the same results.
Marshall Goldsmith, in his book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, explores this very idea—that the habits and behaviours that brought success in the past may not be what’s needed to move forward. It’s an idea that resonates with so many professionals and leaders.
As a coaching psychologist, I see this come up time and again. The details differ from person to person, but the core experience is similar—reaching a stage where the habits and skills that got you where you are today, get in your way, and growth requires a different approach. The examples I’m sharing here are imagined, but are a combination of real situations I’ve encountered in my work.
A Shift in Leadership
Take Nia. She’s spent years honing her skills, quickly solving problems and leading her team through challenges. But now, as her responsibilities have grown, she finds that her habit of jumping in to fix things is leaving her exhausted and her team disengaged. Nia’s story is one I’ve seen many times. Her natural ability to get things done has served her well, but now, to become the leader her team needs, she has to step back, trust them, and let go of some of the control.
Nia’s story reflects a challenge many face when stepping into higher leadership roles. It’s about learning to empower others, letting go of the need to control every detail, and trusting your team to take on more. Leadership isn’t just about solving problems anymore; it’s often about empowering others to find their own solutions.
Letting Go of Perfectionism
Then there’s Marco, a finance executive known for his impeccable work. His perfectionism made him successful early in his career, but now it’s creating bottlenecks. Marco feels the weight of trying to control every detail, and his team is becoming frustrated by the lack of delegation. The strength that once propelled Marco forward is now slowing him down.
For many professionals, perfectionism can feel like a double-edged sword. It’s helped them succeed, but when it leads to burnout and micromanagement, it’s time to reassess. Learning to trust others and let go of the need for perfection is often a key part of leadership development.
Adapting to New Challenges
Then there’s Lena, a leader who’s always thrived in a structured, traditional environment. Now, as her organisation becomes more global and diverse, she’s discovering that the old ways of leading don’t apply anymore. Lena is learning that flexibility and adaptability are critical as she navigates new ways of working with her team.
Lena’s story, much like Nia’s and Marco’s, reflects a common challenge many leaders face today. It’s not about abandoning what’s worked in the past, but rather finding new ways to lead in a changing environment.
Moving Forward
Growth requires change. But more than that, it requires reflection—understanding which habits and behaviours still serve you and which ones might be holding you back. The path forward will be different for everyone, depending on your own unique perspective and background.
As a coach, my role is to walk alongside you as you explore these questions, helping you navigate the changes for the next stage of your personal and professional growth. If you’re at a point where you feel something needs to shift, I’d love to connect and explore what that next step might look like for you.
Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or click on the contact us button below. I’d love to support you on your journey.
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