“Confidence thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection, and on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

Confident Leadership

Confident leadership is not about knowing all the answers, it’s not about being perfect, and it’s definitely not about arrogance. Confidence is that quality that allows us to appreciate our own strengths, create win-win situations, and put our trust in others to be strong where we are weak. So, how can you become a confident leader?

Reflection

Confucius said, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest.” Reflection on your own abilities allows you to be real with yourself, to neither underestimate nor overestimate your capabilities. Know your competencies; if you know you are competent you will be confident. Reflect on your successes, but reflect even more on your failures; this is where your greatest lessons will come from. And, recognize the areas where others may have more to offer than you do.

Selflessness

Harry Frankfurt told us, “Recognizing truth requires selflessness. You have to leave yourself out of it so you can find out the way things are in themselves, not the way they look to you or how you feel about them or how you would like them to be.” Confident leaders are selfless and humble. They do not feel the need to belittle or undermine others. They look for ways they can use their abilities to support and lift those around them. Confident leaders listen more than they speak and welcome new ideas. Recognize the way things really are, be selfless, and build solid relationships and lasting connections.

Trust

Lao Tzu believed, “He who does not trust enough will not be trusted.” Confident leaders surround themselves with people who are smarter than them. They build trusting relationships with other competent, confident individuals. They trust their employees to design their own work; they delegate and do not micromanage. Confident leaders recognize the boundaries of their own expertise and trust others to fill in the gaps.

Recognition

Zig Ziglar explained, “Research indicates that employees have three prime needs: interesting work, recognition for doing a good job, and being let in on things that are going on in the company.” Confident leaders do not feel the need to be in the spotlight; they recognize the contributions of others and give credit where it is due. They recognize the importance of celebrating the small victories and let each individual know that they are valued.

Become a Confident Leader

When you become a confident leader you learn to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses, you become selfless, you trust in the abilities of others, and you recognize the contributions of others. You are not arrogant, you are encouraging and inspirational. You put your best foot forward while encouraging and trusting others to do the same.

© 2015 Elizabeth Stincelli

Liz Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Liz holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Liz by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.