10 ways you can spot insecurity in any leader

Scott Cochrane Sept. 21, 2025

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Adobe

"A lot of things can happen when you have an insecure leader. None of it very good."

That bit of wisdom was passed along to me by a wise mentor many years ago, and it has helped to guide my leadership ever since.

The reason for the power of this statement is that a sense of personal security is the oil that keeps the machinery of a leader working.

If a leader is wracked with insecurity, it won't simply render them ineffective. It will actually undermine everything they have been attempting to build.

But this raises an important question; "Is there an objective way to tell if you really are a secure leader?"

While there may be no scientifically-verifiable way to know for sure, the following self-evaluation questions can give you a pretty good idea.

#1 If a contribution I made to a project is not publicly acknowledged, do I feel wronged?

#2 Do I feel a hint of jealousy when the accomplishment of a colleague is being celebrated?

#3 If I hear about a meeting that I was not invited to, do I feel concerned about being excluded?

#4 Am I uncomfortable letting someone else lead a meeting when I am technically in charge?

#5 Do I need to be "cc'd" on every email that flows through my department?

#6 Am I easily upset if someone points out ways in which my work could improve?

#7 Do I place my own survival ahead of the team's mission?

#8 Do I get nervous if I am not hearing people say good things about me?

#9 Is it important that people consider me to be more successful than my predecessor?

#10 Do I feel in any way threatened when I see a younger leader rising through the ranks?

If you said "Yes" to several of these questions, you might have a concerning level of insecurity in your leadership.

And while there's no magic wand you can wave to eradicate insecurity, the first step to overcoming these tendencies is through ruthless self-awareness. Keep a list like this handy, review it often, and use it to measure your growth as a secure leader.

Because it's true; a lot of things can happen when you have an insecure leader.

None of it very good.

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Scott Cochrane serves on the executive team for the Willow Creek Association, as Vice President, International Ministries. He was born and raised in Canada, where he became connected to the Willow Creek Association, first as a marketing director and later as the ministry’s Chief Operating Officer. Following a five-year stint as Executive Pastor of a large church, Scott returned to Willow Creek Canada in 2009 as Executive Director, and in 2012 relocated to Illinois to take up his current post with the Willow Creek Association. Learn More »

• How smartphones reduce physical activity among our young people (by Thom Rainer)
• A bad taste in my mouth (by Richard Blackaby)
• 4 tips for growing your church with digital marketing (by Mark MacDonald)
• Leaders: stop trying for perfect. Start getting things done. (by Christian Muntean)

Free eBook

Success Unlocked: The Transformative Power of Questions

This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s your invitation to discover how Christ-centered questions can transform the way you lead and live. Packed with real stories and timeless wisdom, it shows you how to grow your influence, deepen your faith, and lead with the same life-changing impact Jesus did.

Download Now