Ryker was deep in thought about his doubts to lead his team in a difficult project. “I see the resistance in my team’s ringleader, but the real resistance is in my own mindset.”

“Even though you signed off on the contract. Even though you promised the customer, face-to-face. Those do not erase your own self-doubt,” I said. “Moreover, you think it is easier to change the mindset of your ringleader than it is to change your own.”

“I was so focused on the resistance from outside,” Ryker replied, “that I couldn’t even see my own resistance.”

“And, until you slay that dragon, your leadership on the project will be full of second-guessing, squandered preparation and halted momentum.”