How to Be a More Confident Leader
By Guest Columnist, Mary Jo Baweja
Even with the right leadership coaching, leading a team can be a challenge for even the most seasoned manager.
With the awareness that the engagement and job satisfaction of employees is directly related to the influence of their manager, many leaders struggle to remain confident in their ability to lead. However, with the right tools — and the knowledge of how to use them properly — you can become more confident in your role while helping your team along the way.
So, what makes a confident leader? Is it someone who “fakes it ‘til they make it,” or someone who puts in the work to make sure their team is thriving? While some confidence builds over time and with experience, there are many ways to gain confidence in your leadership abilities now.
Whether you’ve been in a managerial role for awhile or have recently been promoted, having confidence in your leadership skills is crucial when it comes to leading an effective team.
Five Tips for Confident Leadership
• Find Your Technique
Many successful leaders find their confidence by developing a leadership technique that works for them. Talk with a few leaders who inspire you and learn about their leadership styles. Don’t be afraid to try out a few different methods before you find one that works for you.
• Help Others Be Successful
Finding your confidence as a leader can actually start with your team. Focus on leading your team, helping them to become confident in their roles. Celebrate their successes. By having a happy and successful team on your side, you will naturally start to feel confident in your own leadership abilities.
• Own Your Strengths
In addition to owning your weaknesses, it’s important to also take some time to highlight the things you excel in. Do you consider yourself an approachable leader? Are you great at communicating with your team members? By actively taking pride in your accomplishments, you will start to gain more confidence that you are in the right leadership position.
• Ask For Help
The best leaders are always looking for ways to learn and improve their techniques. Because of this, many reach out to qualified leadership coaches to learn more about their leadership style and how they can become a more effective leader.
• Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, you were selected to be in this leadership position, so trust your instincts when you are faced with difficult situations. While it’s important to grow and learn, it’s also important to trust the experience you already have. Remember, it’s okay to ask questions and go with your gut.
Mary Jo Baweja, MA, LLP
An experienced leadership development consultant with over 20 years of practical experience specializing in executive coaching, executive assessment, and team effectiveness consulting.
Mary Jo is the president of Blank Canvas Consulting in Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://blankcanvasmi.com
