Leading Through the Echoes of Doubt: Overcoming Negativity as a Leader

"If you’re not convinced, no one else will be. You have to believe in yourself before others will." - John C. Maxwell.

“Why do you keep trying? You should just stop.”

Most leaders have heard something like this, whether from a colleague, a supervisor, or their own inner voice. These words plant seeds of doubt. Left unchecked, they grow into silence, hesitation, or even resignation. The reality is that leadership is already challenging. The added pressure of internal and external negativity makes it even harder.

I’ve lived it.

Years ago, I stepped into a leadership role with fresh ideas and a passion for improvement. I challenged the status quo and pushed for meaningful change. But instead of encouragement, I was met with resistance:

“This isn’t needed.” “You’re making things worse.” “Stop wasting your time.”

It wasn’t a one-time comment; it was a daily occurrence. And although I kept going, those words stuck with me. Even years later, they return when I’m unsure, causing me to ask myself, “Should I stop?” or “Is this really helping?” These are questions nearly every leader faces.

According to a Harvard Business Review article, nearly 70% of leaders have experienced imposter syndrome, feeling unqualified or undeserving of their role (Sherbin & Rashid, 2021). That level of doubt can lead to stalled progress, fear-based decisions, or doing just enough to get by.

We begin justifying small setbacks. We delay action, tell ourselves “now’s not the time,” and eventually settle into doing the minimum, believing it's what’s safe or acceptable. But this behavior slowly erodes influence and vision.

Even worse, it affects those we lead. A Gallup study found that only 21% of U.S. employees strongly agree that their leaders inspire optimism about the future (Gallup, 2023). When leaders are stuck in self-doubt, teams often reflect that same uncertainty.

Why the Negativity Feels So Loud

Negativity, whether from others or ourselves, is a powerful blocker to change. People often resist what feels unfamiliar, and as a leader, introducing change, however necessary, can spark criticism or pushback. But according to McKinsey & Company, organizations that embrace change and adapt quickly are 2.4 times more likely to outperform their peers (McKinsey, 2022).

That means resistance is often a sign that you’re on the right path. It’s the friction that comes with forward motion.

Four Ways to Push Through Doubt and Reclaim Your Drive

1. Reconnect with Your “Why”

Leadership without purpose quickly becomes survival. When the noise around you grows louder, revisit what drives you. Why did you start? What outcome are you working toward? John Maxwell says, “People who lose their why lose their way.” Anchoring back to your purpose helps cut through the fog of fear.

2. Redefine the Pushback

Not all resistance is bad, it often signals you're stepping outside the comfort zone. Instead of seeing criticism as failure, view it as feedback and energy. According to McKinsey, adaptable leaders who embrace learning cycles enable their teams to thrive in uncertain environments (McKinsey, 2022).

3. Invest in Mental Resilience

Mindset is a leadership muscle, and it requires regular training. Practices like journaling, executive coaching, and mindfulness aren’t just personal, they’re strategic. The Center for Creative Leadership reports that resilient leaders consistently perform better under pressure and create stronger cultures (Center for Creative Leadership, n.d.).

4. Choose the Voices That Build

The people you listen to shape your thinking. Whether it’s a mentor, coach, or peer network, seek voices that challenge you to grow, not shrink. Your leadership potential expands when you surround yourself with people who believe in you.

Every leader hears that voice: “Why keep going?” But leadership is not about the absence of doubt; it’s about continuing in the face of it.

When you’re tempted to give up, remember this: You’re not alone. You’re not broken. And most of all, you’re not done.