I was often told that leadership is a lonely role and that I had to create a new network to replace the one I was about to lose!
How true was this, although in my experience, I didn’t necessarily lose the network, it was just the relationship that was different.
However, I did need to cultivate a new one and rely on new mentors to help me, most of whom have now become friends as well as mentors!
This is partly what drove me to create this new initiative, The Gaming Boardroom, as talking to a lot of senior executives in the gaming industry, they feel the loneliness as much as me!
#gamingboardroomGreg SaintJon BrufordDelfina De Moura#leadershiploneliness#support
As I reflect on my journey as a leader, there is one often unspoken issue that many executives, including myself, have grappled with, leadership loneliness. The transition from being a valued team member to assuming a leadership role can be both exhilarating and daunting. However, what we rarely anticipate is the isolation that can accompany this shift in responsibility.
I vividly remember the early days of my leadership journey. The thrill of the promotion was quickly overshadowed by a sense of disconnection from my former peers. Suddenly, the open conversations and camaraderie I had enjoyed became more guarded and distant. My role demanded making tough decisions, navigating complex challenges, and taking responsibility for the outcomes. It was during this time that I experienced the profound loneliness that many leaders face.
Leadership loneliness can have a significant impact on both performance and well-being. I recall a particular instance where I was grappling with a major strategic decision for my division. The weight of the responsibility felt overwhelming, and the lack of a support network to bounce ideas off left me feeling isolated and uncertain. I became stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and indecision, which ultimately slowed down progress and hindered the success of the initiative.
Through my experiences and interactions with fellow leaders, I have identified four major challenges that contribute to leadership loneliness:
Limited Peer Network: As leaders, we often find ourselves lacking a close-knit peer network to share our experiences, seek guidance, and engage in meaningful discussions. The absence of such connections can leave us feeling isolated and without a sounding board for our ideas.
For instance, during a challenging period of restructuring, I found myself without a trusted group of peers to turn to for advice. The absence of diverse perspectives and shared experiences made the process more arduous and increased my sense of loneliness.
Fear of Vulnerability: Leadership positions can foster an expectation of invincibility, making it difficult for leaders to show vulnerability or admit when they need help. This fear of being perceived as weak or unsure can further deepen the sense of isolation.
I recall a time when I was dealing with the aftermath of a failed project. Despite feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, I hesitated to share my struggles openly. This fear of appearing inadequate only served to intensify my loneliness and impede my ability to find a constructive way forward.
Lack of Objective Feedback: Leaders often face a dearth of honest and objective feedback. Subordinates may be reluctant to provide critical insights, fearing potential consequences or repercussions. This lack of candid feedback can hinder growth and development and contribute to a sense of isolation.
I experienced this firsthand when I embarked on a new strategic direction for my division. Although I sought feedback from my team, their reluctance to provide constructive criticism left me feeling isolated and unsure if my decisions were truly in the best interest of the company.
Heavy Burden of Decision-Making: Leaders are burdened with making tough decisions that can have a profound impact on their companies and stakeholders. This weighty responsibility can create a sense of isolation, as the ultimate decision often rests solely on their shoulders.
In a critical instance, I was faced with a high-stakes decision that would affect the livelihoods of many employees. The gravity of the choice made me acutely aware of the isolation I felt as I grappled with the consequences of the decision. The lack of a supportive network to share this burden with only added to the weight on my shoulders.
Recognising the immense challenges posed by leadership loneliness, I founded “The Gaming Boardroom” a platform designed to help leaders connect, share, and learn. This initiative aims to address the challenges head-on and provide a supportive community for leaders to thrive.
The Gaming Boardroom serves as a virtual gathering place for leaders across the gaming industry, offering a safe and confidential space to foster meaningful connections and collaboration. Through a combination of online resources aimed at saving you time, a full professional development toolkit, aimed at increasing your own personal development, a community to bring you all together and networking opportunities, The Gaming Boardroom strives to mitigate the challenges of leadership loneliness by focusing on the following key aspects:
Peer Networking: The platform facilitates the creation of a diverse and supportive peer network where leaders can connect, exchange ideas, and seek guidance. By fostering a sense of camaraderie, The Gaming Boardroom provides a space for leaders to share their experiences and challenges openly, knowing they are not alone in their journey.
Through virtual communities and networking events, leaders can engage in discussions on various topics, ranging from strategic decision-making to personal development. By connecting with peers who have faced similar situations, leaders can find solace in shared experiences and gain valuable insights.
Cultivating Vulnerability: The Gaming Boardroom encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. By providing a confidential environment, leaders can freely express their concerns, share their struggles, and seek advice without fear of judgment.
Through facilitated discussions and development programs, leaders are encouraged to show vulnerability and ask for help when needed. This creates a culture of openness, where leaders can learn from each other’s failures and successes, fostering personal growth and resilience.
Honest and Constructive Feedback: The platform promotes a culture of honest and constructive feedback, enabling leaders to receive valuable insights from peers in a supportive setting. By connecting leaders from diverse backgrounds and verticles, The Gaming Boardroom ensures a wide range of perspectives and encourages open dialogue.
Through informal peer review programs, leaders can receive objective assessments of their ideas and strategies. This helps leaders refine their decision-making processes and gain confidence in their choices, reducing the sense of isolation that often accompanies leadership roles.
Shared Decision-Making: The Gaming Boardroom acknowledges the burden of decision-making that leaders carry and provides a platform for collaborative problem-solving. Through online discussions and private groups and conversations, leaders can engage in collective decision-making processes, leveraging the wisdom and experiences of the community.
So, leadership loneliness is a prevalent but often unaddressed issue that can significantly impact the performance and well-being of leaders. The Gaming Boardroom platform aims to create a supportive and collaborative environment where leaders can connect, share, and learn from one another.
I urge all gaming leaders to acknowledge the challenges of leadership loneliness and seek the support they need. By actively participating in initiatives like The Gaming Boardroom, leaders can alleviate their sense of isolation, enhance their decision-making abilities, and foster personal and professional growth.
Together, let us overcome leadership loneliness and create a community where leaders can thrive, connect, and learn from each other’s experiences. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and with the right support, we can all achieve greater success and well-being as leaders.
