Confidence is the bedrock of effective leadership. Without it, others will struggle to place their trust in you. The truth is, those you lead often take their cues from your demeanor and actions. If you lack confidence in yourself, it becomes challenging for your team to have confidence in you and, by extension, in the mission you are guiding them toward.
As a building leader, one of my responsibilities was to grow leaders. During a conversation with one of my teacher leaders, I was asked, “Why do I lower my voice and speak softly during a crisis.” Well, I smiled, and I asked her what happened when I lowered my voice.
She paused for a moment; then she said. “people, stop what they are doing and listen closely.” Next, I asked her, “How did people feel before and after I spoke.” She smiled and said, “Before, we were anxious and unsure what to do, but we walked away with a sense of calm because you spoke calmly and confidently. Also, you reassured us and reminded us of our responsibilities.”
Confidence is a leader’s secret power. Why? Because everyone looks to the leader for guidance. Therefore, leaders need to build their confidence by building their skill set. Confidence is a crucial element that powers this inspiration.
The Nature of Confidence
Contrary to popular belief, confidence isn’t something you’re born with or a reward you receive after achieving a milestone. It is a learned behavior that begins with understanding and appreciating who you are. Confidence is a critical skill for leadership, empowering you to act with conviction and decisiveness. Here’s why it’s essential:
Those who don’t trust and have confidence in their leaders may:
1. Become Passive: Feeling it’s safer to do nothing than to follow a leader who seems uncertain.
2. Seek Alternative Leadership: Looking for someone else who exudes confidence.
3. Act Independently: Believing they have a better chance of achieving their goals on their own.
Building Confidence
Consider conducting a personal SWOT analysis to build the confidence necessary for effective leadership. This exercise involves assessing your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Understanding these aspects of yourself fosters self-awareness and provides a foundation for personal growth.
Additionally, exploring different methodologies can be beneficial. Stefan Swanepoel’s *Surviving Your Serengeti: 7 Skills to Master Business and Life* offers valuable insights. Through allegorical storytelling, Swanepoel addresses overcoming adversity, conquering fears, and triumphing over challenges—crucial skills for leadership.
Gender and Leadership Styles
Understanding the differences between male and female leadership styles can further enhance your confidence. Both styles are essential in today’s diverse organizational environments. While male leaders might focus on task-oriented approaches, female leaders often excel in relational strategies. Embracing and integrating these differences can strengthen your leadership abilities.
Confidence in Crisis
One of the ultimate tests of leadership—and confidence—is navigating through a crisis. A leader steps forward, inspires trust, and shoulders the weight of the situation. In one case that I experienced, despite the absence of government-responsible support during an emergency, stepping up as a leader turned a potentially demoralizing disaster into an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and inspire confidence in others.
Leading is far from easy, but it can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. As a leader, having the confidence to guide people through tough times and crises sets a positive example and fosters a culture of trust and respect.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
John Quincy Adams
Confidence is the key to making this inspiration happen.
Confidence is a journey, not a destination. You can become your team’s confident leader by continually working on your self-awareness, embracing your unique leadership style, and stepping up during crises.
#EducationalLeader,
Kim
When students are led well, they learn well.
P.S. – Don’t forget to pick up a copy of my brand new book You’re in the Leadership Chair, Now What? from Amazon.
The views shared in the Educational Leadership Moment are solely mine and do not reflect the positions of my employer or any entity within the local, state, or federal government sectors.
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