Scrutiny

Scrutiny is being under the spotlight. It is having an attentive audience. A certain amount of scrutiny comes with being a leader. People notice if you don’t smile at them when you walk into the office; they remember your comments even when you don’t. You are always on. It’s part of what makes a leader stretched, stressed and solitary. It is when the lights get turned up too bright and the audience’s attention becomes overwhelming that the problems start.

Too much positive scrutiny can be intoxicating; the spotlight picking you out as a rising star on the corporate stage. There is a lot written about imposter syndrome – seeing the audience as grander than they are; less about the dangers of arrogance and overreach – trying to make the audience smaller than they are. The underlying cause is often similar: anxiety. The symptoms and the support needed can be very different.

Too much negative scrutiny can be overwhelming; the spotlight shining in your eyes as you are challenged about your actions and decision making. The audience feeling like a gang or a mob. It can be hard to think straight and communicate clearly. This can also be a time when it is very hard for the organisation to provide appropriate internal support. It can be hard for people to rebuild relationships and careers even when the scrutiny is past.

In all these situations, effective coaching can make a difference. Helping you to keep your feet on the ground and the facts in your head; making thoughtful decisions and maintaining strong relationships.