AIBU to ask If you've been demoted due to social anxiety?

[Doublegloucester]

I've returned to work after mat leave. I have had a couple of anxious episodes which have resulted in me fluffing what I wanted to say in front of my team. My role requires leadership qualities and I think I'm likely to be demoted. Trying to tell myself it's not the end of the world etc.

Has anyone had this happen and survived? Positive stories would be good please.

Tia.

[Euripidesralph]

I would hope your line manager took the opportunity to support / train you to improve that particular skill I have done so with managers I have managed in the past .... some really successfully and some not so usually because they didn't feel it was important

It's something that can be improved before demotion

[JenniferM1000]

Obviously I don't know about your workplace. But in my view (as a decently experienced manager), leadership is more about being able to set a clear and credible direction, showing integrity, and behaving in the way you expect your team to behave. As time goes on you will become more confident in what you are saying. In the meantime, is it such a bad thing if your team say 'DoubleGloucester's not great at pep talks, but she's really sorted the team out/stood up for us/leads by example.'?

[Doublegloucester]

Thanks for the speedy replies :-)

The anxiety was picked up pre-mat leave and I was given tasks to do to improve things. Things improved and my manager was satisfied with my performance before I left. I have a new manager now and am really concerned at my performance review they will bring up the previous issues as well and say 'well you've already had your chance to improve'.

Ps although my role requires me to display leadership qualities, I don't actually manage anyone, luckily!

[Euripidesralph]

It may be worth mentioning it to your line manager rather than waiting for them to bring it up ....I'd be impressed someone was so self aware

Be honest maternity leave is no picnic to return from so explain this is why perhaps you need to restart those tasks to help you improve this skill

But as possible said this is a small part of leadership not the whole thing

[TheClacksAreDown]

What would need to change to allow you to perform? Is there any support you can ask for or get?

[Doublegloucester]

Thanks again. I have already had my allocation of cbt (4 x 15 min telephone sessions) and am on medication (doesn't hit the anxiety)...I'm not sure what other support I could try and get. I was put on the spot today and failed. I had brain freeze in front of the whole team. Good idea to bring it up first though...