Swing. Miss. Learn. Repeat.

What’s really holding you back from your next promotion?

I’ve been reflecting on what it means to grow, particularly when that growth happens in full view of others.

Golf has become one of my most honest teachers. I’ve been learning for some time now, and if I’m being truthful, I expected to be better by now. Some days, I hit the ball cleanly and feel a quiet sense of progress. Other days, I miss entirely, or the ball goes in a direction I did not intend  - and yes, there’s often someone watching.

It is one thing to be a beginner.
It is quite another to remain a beginner while others are looking on.

I’ve had a similar experience learning Spanish. I’ve been using Duolingo for 2,169 consecutive days. That’s nearly six years of showing up daily. And while I’ve improved, I’m still corrected often. I still make silly mistakes. But I keep going.

Being in that space - where you feel like you should be further ahead - can be uncomfortable, especially for intelligent, skilled adults. You may begin to question whether you’re making any progress. You might feel self-conscious. You might wonder if you’re just not cut out for it. This is exactly the kind of internal dialogue that holds people back from stepping into their next leadership role.

The fear is not about failure, it’s about being seen failing.

In my work as an executive coach, I hear this quietly but consistently:

“I’m thinking about going for that next role, but I don’t feel ready.”

These are thoughtful, skilled leaders. What holds them back is not a lack of capability, it’s the idea of not appearing polished. The fear of being questioned. The fear of not knowing all the answers. The fear of being in a position where others might see them stumble.

This is entirely human. And it is also the exact moment where real growth becomes possible.

The most effective leaders I’ve worked with are not the ones who try to appear flawless. They are the ones who are willing to be seen learning. They show up with courage, even when things are uncertain. They build trust by being real. They model growth by doing it out loud.

Growth that is visible invites others to grow, too.

It builds empathy.
It makes space for experimentation and innovation.
It shows teams that learning is not something you grow out of once you lead, it’s something you grow into.

If you’re hesitating to take the next step, try asking yourself:

“Am I willing to grow where others can see me?”

This question has unlocked transformational progress for many of the leaders I work with. Not because they found the perfect moment to act, but because they were brave enough to act before they felt completely ready.

Leadership is not about perfection. It’s about presence, persistence, and the courage to continue.

Reflective Questions

Use these prompts to explore what might be holding you back from your next step:

• What part of stepping into something new feels most uncomfortable for me?

• Where might I be holding back due to fear of being seen learning?

• Who could benefit from seeing me model growth more openly?

Looking for support?

If you’re in that space between where you are and where you want to be, I’d love to support you.
Coaching can help you clarify your next step and build the confidence to take it, especially when you feel like others are watching.