Wanting & Resisting Leadership Positions Simultaneously

[Fakesmile]

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I have a couple of interviews lined up for leadership positions in two organizations. I want to attain the positions but at the same time I feel unwilling and stressed at the thought of having those positions and doing things and meeting people that come with being in those positions, possibly due to feelings of social anxiety and/or not being smart/capable/deserving enough for those positions, at least based on the kinds of people I know who are already in those positions (they are all well-spoken, proactive, socially skilled though not necessarily outgoing, etc.).

I think I am naturally a go-with-the-flow type rather than an executive-type of person and I hate the feeling of having responsibilities/leading others or organizations/causes. I would not want to be in leadership positions if it weren't for my resume or med school app. I'm stuck and I don't know if I should decline the interviews. But having no additional leadership position will mean mediocre med school app, based on my GPA and other aspects of my app considered. Of course, there are many ways to boost my app but given my situation, civic engagement through leadership positions is among my few best options.

Note: Just because I feel this way doesn't mean that in case I get those leadership positions, I will let things crash to the ground. Rather, I will make sure to do my things to help the organization. It's just that I will feel uncomfortable being in leadership positions, as I have felt in the past when I had a short-lived (6 months) leadership experience in an executive position for an organization.

 

[Total180]

Part of being a physician is being able to lead a team effectively. If you feel apprehensive about doing that, you should get as much experience at it now before you have a life on the line (literally maybe). Being a leader doesn't come naturally to everyone, but if you take one of these positions and really hate it, you might want to really think about what it is about being a doctor that really attracts you, and if it is worth it. However, most people just need practice and confidence. I am sure you will just rise to the occasion, but definitely don't avoid being in a leadership position, and then have your first experience in a clinical setting....there is a lot more pressure there....Good luck!👍

 

[UnclePhil]

I have a couple of interviews lined up for leadership positions in two organizations. I want to attain the positions but at the same time I feel unwilling and stressed at the thought of having those positions and doing things and meeting people that come with being in those positions, possibly due to feelings of social anxiety and/or not being smart/capable/deserving enough for those positions, at least based on the kinds of people I know who are already in those positions (they are all well-spoken, proactive, socially skilled though not necessarily outgoing, etc.).

I think I am naturally a go-with-the-flow type rather than an executive-type of person and I hate the feeling of having responsibilities/leading others or organizations/causes. I would not want to be in leadership positions if it weren't for my resume or med school app. I'm stuck and I don't know if I should decline the interviews. But having no additional leadership position will mean mediocre med school app, based on my GPA and other aspects of my app considered. Of course, there are many ways to boost my app but given my situation, civic engagement through leadership positions is among my few best options.

Note: Just because I feel this way doesn't mean that in case I get those leadership positions, I will let things crash to the ground. Rather, I will make sure to do my things to help the organization. It's just that I will feel uncomfortable being in leadership positions, as I have felt in the past when I had a short-lived (6 months) leadership experience in an executive position for an organization.

Is getting into med school all you have thought about? or have you actually considered about what it's going to be like being a doctor?

Doctors are expected to lead. That's why schools look for leadership. And you will have a ton more responsibility and more on the line being a doctor than you will being the president of the premed club.

I don't want to sound rude of condescending, but how can you think that you are not smart enough or not capable enough to run a college club, but are capable enough to cut it through medical school, residency and then being the person to call the final shots when other people's lives are on the line?

 

[NickNaylor]

I have a couple of interviews lined up for leadership positions in two organizations. I want to attain the positions but at the same time I feel unwilling and stressed at the thought of having those positions and doing things and meeting people that come with being in those positions, possibly due to feelings of social anxiety and/or not being smart/capable/deserving enough for those positions, at least based on the kinds of people I know who are already in those positions (they are all well-spoken, proactive, socially skilled though not necessarily outgoing, etc.).

I think I am naturally a go-with-the-flow type rather than an executive-type of person and I hate the feeling of having responsibilities/leading others or organizations/causes. I would not want to be in leadership positions if it weren't for my resume or med school app. I'm stuck and I don't know if I should decline the interviews. But having no additional leadership position will mean mediocre med school app, based on my GPA and other aspects of my app considered. Of course, there are many ways to boost my app but given my situation, civic engagement through leadership positions is among my few best options.

Note: Just because I feel this way doesn't mean that in case I get those leadership positions, I will let things crash to the ground. Rather, I will make sure to do my things to help the organization. It's just that I will feel uncomfortable being in leadership positions, as I have felt in the past when I had a short-lived (6 months) leadership experience in an executive position for an organization.

You should work on that.