Confidence as a Leader is Essential

How confident are you in your leadership ability? Do you have innate leadership skills? Do you always find yourself constantly being asked to manage a task or people? Or you may be a person who does not feel like a natural born leader but has found yourself in a leadership role. Are you uncertain about where you should focus your efforts and energy as a new leader? Either way, developing your leadership skills will help you to become a more confident and competent leader.

Confident Leadership Requires Personal Development

Wise leaders know that they can learn something from others, and that the more they learn, the better they become at leadership. One of the worst mistakes that any leader can make is to assume that they have nothing else to learn. Experience is a good teacher; however guided experience is even better. Personal development is a critical component of leading others both competently and confidently.

Work with a Leadership Mentor

All good leaders have mentors! Your mentor could be a leadership coach, a book, a podcast, or even YouTube videos. Mentorship can be formal (organized with an individual person or group) or it can be informal (learn by observation or personal study). What is important is that you find a mentor who is suited to best meet your individual needs.

It is important that new and experienced leaders remain teachable throughout their careers. This is really the only way that we can improve in our leadership skills. This allows us to properly evaluate constructive criticism and to self-reflect. Doing this allows us to make the appropriate changes, that will help us grow and that will allow our employees to thrive.

Seek Feedback on Your Leadership

Another opportunity for growth is to receive 360 feedback. You can gather anonymous feedback from your employees, direct feedback from your supervisor, and feedback from any peers. Take the time to properly evaluate feedback and to identify 1-3 areas that you would like to improve upon.

It is important that when you receive any feedback that you assume positive intent. Initially becoming vulnerable enough to receive this type of feedback may feel scary, however it is better for you to identify your weaknesses, than to be oblivious to them. Also keep in mind that all leaders have weaknesses. The goal is not to become perfect, but to grow as a leader each year.

Building Your Confidence as a Leader

Just know that you can become an amazing leader by identifying your strengths and by growing in any appropriate areas of weakness. As you learn more about leadership, you will develop your confidence as a leader.

Are you feeling frustrated as a leader? Click here to learn more about ways we can help.