Do you ever feel like now is your time to shine? Like you’re ready to step up as a leader, but you just aren’t sure how and you’re also lacking a bit of confidence? First things first: It’s OK. Everyone goes through this at one point or another. You feel your inner leader ready to shine, but having the confidence to step up is really tough. Whether you’re just getting started in the business world or you’ve been around for quite a while, figuring out how to build that confidence is key.
8 Ways to Build Your Confidence as a Leader
Keep in mind, you aren’t alone. As I mentioned above, everyone goes through this at some point or another – it’s part of the growing process and it’s also how you begin to learn and understand what type of leader you’re going to be. Remember – becoming a leader is a process and not one that’s going to happen overnight.
Think about leaders who you admire. Having a mentor or role model in any facet of your life is important, but especially when it comes to your career goals. There are all types of leaders out there, so who you will like more than others and understanding that will help you tremendously along the way.
Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Not only does networking expand your circle of connections, it also exposes you to all sorts of people and leadership styles you might not otherwise see. Make networking part of your personal growth path to get exposed to as many different types of people and leaders as possible.
Think about your future. What does your career look like to you ten to twenty years from now and how will you get there? Having goals and a plan to help shape your future is half the battle when it comes to becoming the leaders you see yourself as.
Be confident in the skills you have today. It’s easy to get nervous about things and to lose confidence along the way, but try not to let yourself fall into that trap. You know what you know and you know what you’re good at and where you excel – so don’t hold yourself back! Let your skills shine through.
But, also be aware of what you don’t know. This will keep you learning, keep you striving and keep you on track to meet your goals along the way.
Trust your instincts. Sometimes you don’t have to be the most educated or the one with the most experience, but rather following your gut is half the battle when it comes to being a good leader. Be OK with that and learn to trust yourself – sometimes you are the only one who knows exactly what you need to do.
Above all else, just be you. When you’re genuine, transparent and extremely clear about who you are, that’s the best type of leader around. Authenticity is one of the best characteristics anyone can have, especially when it comes to leaders – people will appreciate the real you more than you know. Bottom line: be the best you and the rest will follow.
Are you working on building up your leadership confidence? What’s holding you back?
