There comes a point in every career (or the point should come) where we achieve competence. This is a really excellent moment because much of our anxiety has an opportunity to evaporate. We win the respect of our peers and those above us. It follows that we become mentors, with people looking to us to make decisions, offer opinions, or increase our work load.
This is the point where it is easy to become arrogant, aloof, dismissive, etc. But at the same time, we can’t make the mistake of questioning ourselves. Competence and confidence are not negative qualities. What we need are a set of skills that will keep us likeable and accessible without sacrificing what our achievements have earned. Genuine inquiry, sincerely soliciting input, encouragement, and inclusivity are among these skills. They take practice and commitment, and are the core of leadership.
