Leaders might have strong technical knowledge and they can learn the fundamentals of leadership skills, but if they don’t believe in themselves they will find it very difficult to lead others. A leader who exhibits confidence is easier to follow because they are easily trusted. If a leader has self-confidence they can make tough decisions and solve problems efficiently and effectively. These leaders take the risks necessary to achieve their goals, both personally and professionally.
Confidence is terrifying. Don’t be fooled. A lot of leaders might seem like they have it all figured out. They might have an ‘I’ve got this’ attitude but are most likely afraid on the inside. No one is ‘fine’ all the time and confidence will help you tackle challenges head on.
All leaders aren’t necessarily born with natural self-confidence. This is also something that should be built on constantly and boosted regularly. How can you as a leader build your confidence?
- Have a positive self-image. This goes hand in hand with confidence. This means that you as a leader view yourself in a positive manner. You have a positive mental picture of yourself. Be kind to yourself and focus on your positive attributes.
- Having a positive outlook on life is synonymous with confidence. There is a post going around on Facebook which reads “instead of focussing on your stresses, focus on your blessings.” This is so true. Every time you think of something negative try to see if you can’t view life as a photograph…turning every negative into a positive.
- Surround yourself with people who build you up and stay clear of people who break you down. People who support and believe in you automatically motivate you. It is like performing on stage and everyone gives you a standing ovation. Feeling great about yourself boosts your self-image and in turn, also promotes your self-confidence.
- Be proud of and reward yourself. Your greatest cheerleader should be you. Celebrate your accomplishments. Reward your successes. You deserve it.
- Realise that making mistakes and recovering from them also builds confidence. It does not mean that if you fail at something your confidence should automatically be gone or broken. Although your confidence might take a knock, it is how you stand up and recover from your failures which build your character and you will have even stronger confidence.
- Self-doubt is poisonous. You are your own worst enemy with what you say and what you think. Think about how you got to be in a position of leadership. People saw something in you. Someone believed in you, why don’t you?
- Get out of your comfort zone. Try something new. The more you do the more you feel okay with that ‘not-okay’ feeling. By doing this you’ll realise that you have various strengths you didn’t know you had. New accomplishments will help you realise that you can do anything you set your mind to.
- Get coached. Find a mentor whom you can look up to, be your soundboard and can constantly boost you.
Leaders are expected to have confidence. Therefore developing confidence as part of leadership skills is very much overlooked. Although these self-help tips are adding value as part of the first steps to take when building your own confidence, a Confidence and Assertiveness soft skills training course can do so much more.