Leaders Do Not Have to Be Lonely at The Top

While the top spot can be a lonely place, leaders in that position don’t have to feel lonely. How do you avoid loneliness in your job?

Many have heard the axiom “It’s lonely at the top.” This was repeated by Tim Cook, during an interview in 2016, after taking over from Steve Jobs as Apple CEO. Also, data from multiple pieces of research supports that notion because over half of leaders at the pinnacle of their careers as a CEO reported feeling lonely in their jobs. But, should that be the case? Leaders do not have to feel lonely at the top. 

The fact is the top position of an organization is a lonely place. Why? Because leaders are trailblazers. They go where no one has gone before. Leaders see beyond everyone else. They are vision drivers, going ahead and creating a path for others to follow. Leaders are courageous, stepping in directions others are afraid to take. 

Being in the top spot increases the risk of feeling lonely. This is exacerbated by the reality that their job is to motivate others but no one has the job of motivating them. 

I recall many years ago as the leader of a team feeling like my motivation cup was empty with nothing more to give to them. I needed someone to motivate me but had no one to look to. I’m usually self-motivated. However, I remember feeling lonely that cold, rainy night.

What about you? Have you ever felt like you were surrounded by many yet felt alone? Have you ever felt like you were physically and emotionally giving of yourself to everyone else with no one to pour into you? 

Leaders Do Not Have to Feel Lonely at The Top

The top spot can be a lonely place. However, leaders in that position do not have to feel lonely. As a Christ-centered leader, how do you avoid loneliness in your job? Here are a few strategies to consider.

Recognize You Are Not Alone

Your secret weapon is a promise made to you by someone who can never break a promise.  Jesus Christ. He said that He will never leave you alone (Psalm 23:4). Recognize you have a partner with every step you take. Having faith that you are not alone goes straight to the heart of loneliness.

Encourage Yourself

Sometimes you have to look in the mirror and encourage yourself. Those you lead expect you to motivate them. David, a great king in the Bible, encouraged himself when he was in great distress (1 Sam 30:6). This is especially important when fearful of a path you must take by yourself. Don’t let fear short-circuit your path to success. You’ll feel energized after speaking positive thoughts and scriptural promises to yourself; promises such as: “I can do all things through Him” (Phil 4:13), and “We more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Rom 8:37). 

Surround yourself with a personal support team

You may be a corporate CEO with supporting staff, a classroom teacher leading a room of wide-eyed, innocent future leaders, or a project leader making difficult decisions balancing cost, schedule, and quality. No matter the situation, you must surround yourself with a personal support team. If alone on a path and the feeling of loneliness threatens, call up a mentor, coach, or trusted coffee/tea buddy. They may give you a perspective or insight that would eliminate that feeling. 

Recognize It’s OK to Get Help

We get lonely when we feel there’s no one we can turn to. Everyone expects the leader to know a path to the solution of a problem. However, an empowered leader recognizes he/she doesn’t have all the answers. Overcome the fear of looking vulnerable when admitting you don’t know. This free’s you to partner with someone who can help and minimize loneliness. 

It’s a common belief that it’s lonely at the top. It doesn’t have to be. While you may be alone in your position, recognize you’re directed by a higher power. Be empowered to motivate yourself. Take time for self-care and collaborate with others who can help you avoid loneliness.

Empowered Leader Reflection

What techniques or strategies do you use to keep yourself from feeling lonely in your position?

We would welcome you adding to the conversation. Would you leave a comment below?