Recognising the "not-good-enough" fear

One thing I don’t think we talk about enough is the fear that comes with challenging the status quo.

We often speak with ambition and optimism about Procurement’s evolution, from cost cutter to value enabler, from operational doers to strategic thinkers, from back-office to business-critical.

But we’re skipping over the uncomfortable part.

To make that shift, no matter the size of your organisation, your team, or your resources, you’re probably going to have to go against the grain.

You’re going to have to do things differently. Challenge what’s always been done.

And yes, that brings opportunity.

But it also stirs up a whole lot of discomfort and fear.

Putting yourself out there, whether it's leading a bold idea, questioning the status quo, or trying something new can feel like standing under a spotlight with a sign that says,

“Please judge me.”

And from the many coaching conversations that I have, a fear of what others think is one of the biggest things that holds us back from leading in the way we truly want to within Procurement.

It can sound like:

• “Maybe I’m not ready.”
• “People might think I’m not strategic enough”
• “What if I get it wrong?”
• And the one I hear way too often: “I just work in Procurement…who am I to step up?”

It often comes down to a fear of not being good enough.

The not-good-enough fear and its ripple effect.

Sports psychologist and performance coach Dr. Pippa Grange describes this fear in a way that makes it very relatable. She says it’s not always loud, but it’s powerful. It doesn’t show up as obvious fear. It twists itself into things like:

• Perfectionism: “If it’s not perfect, I won’t do it at all.”
• Jealousy: “Why are they getting recognition when I’m working just as hard?”
• Self-criticism: “I should know more/be more strategic/be more of an extrovert…”
• Staying separate: “I’ll just keep my head down and not get involved.”

These thought patterns go beyond feelings of being stuck. 

They create distance. 

From others, from opportunities, and from the type of career and leadership we aspire to have.

And if this resonates with you as a Procurement professional, know that these fears go beyond the realms of your profession.

This fear exists in everyone.

Even the most confident people. 

Even the ones who seem to have it all together. 

Even those on your executive board.

The power of self-awareness

When you recognise that this fear is at play; in you, in your team, in your stakeholders…everything changes.

You can find the courage and empowerment to stop reacting automatically.

It enables you to start responding with intention.

It helps you to stop taking stakeholder resistance personally.

It allows for looking through the lens of others to see where people might be protecting themselves.

And if you fully step into this knowledge of the not-good-enough fear, you stop doubting your place.

You can start owning your presence.

And that makes your impact in procurement (as a leader, a strategic partner, and a change-maker) 10x stronger.

You have to back yourself first for them to see you as a leader

Not everyone will agree with your ideas.

Not everyone will applaud when you raise your game (their not-good-enough fear might also be shouting loudly).

But your leadership and your career isn’t built on somebody else’s approval (don't let titles and hierarchies dictate all of that narrative).

It needs solid foundations of courage.

So when you challenge the norm, launch something new, or suggest a smarter way and that little voice says “But what will people think?”...here’s what you tell it:

“I’m leading anyway.”

And believe it or not, you’ll attract the supporters who will speak up for you when you’re not there.

Courage is contagious.

5 reminders to help you care less (and lead more)

1. Acknowledge the fear. Recognise it as a fear, but not a fact. Seek to understand the roots of the fear and face it head-on. “Courage is fear walking” as the brilliant Susan David says.
2. You won’t be for everyone. But through recognising that everyone is fighting their own “not-good-enough” fears in their own way, you realise that the only race you’re in is with yourself.
3. You don’t need to be polished to be powerful. Speak. Try. Learn. Refine. That’s how confidence is built.
4. Anchor to your intention. What are you trying to change, influence, or make better? Let your purpose guide you more than fear ever could
5. Leadership is self-declared. You don’t need permission, or even the title to start showing up as the leader you already are and aspire to be.

Lean into the version of you that’s been holding back

The more strategic version.

The more confident version.

The more visible version.

The one with the idea, the challenge, the initiative that could move things forward.

Your self-awareness is your superpower.

How Coaching For Procurement Ltd can help

If this resonates, you don't have to try to break through the not-good-enough-fear alone. If you're a Procurement professional who wants to lean into their full potential and become more strategic, confident and visible in a way that brings out your natural strengths, send me a message to find out more. 

As a qualified and accredited Executive & Leadership coach, I offer a full suite of coaching solutions designed to empower and support Procurement leaders and their teams; from Procurement team coaching through to ILM qualifications using the unique P.R.O.C.U.R.E® coaching methodology and frameworks, as well as 1:1 coaching.