Confidence is an essential trait to be a successful leader. A particularly weak point in regards to confidence for any leader is when they are promoted into, or accept a position of higher responsibility. Not all leaders will admit to it, but I can tell you from personal experience, these times can be challenging.
We are all human and during these periods we can doubt our ability to take on a new role that carries much greater levels of responsibility. Here are seven ways to boost your confidence as a leader:
1. Train: Training is essential at all levels and for all leaders. Your training for your current role should have started long before you arrived. Always seek self-improvement and be open to learning. By being open and proactive to training you will not only help assure you are ready for that next step, you will also motivate and instill the right example in the team around you.
2. Be engaging: Talk to the people around you. Ask questions and listen empathetically to members of your new team. Get their feedback and input about the current situation. This will provide for a greater bond between you and your team, allow you to understand your team better and give you something to focus on during the initial phase of building your confidence in a new position.
3. Begin with the end in mind: When I start a new position, one of the first things I do is create a small sign that I’ll see when I sit at my desk, with the words “Begin with the end in mind.” This serves as a daily reminder to think about where we are going and how we are going to get there. By visualizing where you want to take you organization and focusing on that place, you are far more likely to reach that destination. Your ability to project confidence will thus be greatly enhanced.
4. Take action: Once you know where you are going, it’s important to set goals, priorities and responsibilities. You cannot do everything, so it is important to determine what the high payoff activities are and get the team focused on those goals and priorities as soon as possible. You need to be a person of action.
5. Be a great presenter: Our ability to speak and present well greatly impacts our ability to influence and lead those around us. Starting with your first job, you should seek out opportunities to improve your presentation skills. Ask for training and find opportunities to practice, particularly in situations you are not currently comfortable. Great presenters will always be seen as confident leaders and have an ability to motivate and instill action in the teams around them.
6. Fake it, if you have to: The team around you needs a leader. Assure you project confidence, even if you may not be fully there at first. If you walk and talk confidently, those around you will not know of your inner doubts. In most cases, within a few weeks, you will be that confident person you are projecting. We are all human and we react more positively when we feel our leaders know what they are doing.
7. Appear confident: It is important to appear confident to be perceived as confident. Stand tall, look people in the eyes and speak deliberately. When you address a group of people be sure to engage with them by looking at each person. Never look down, or appear to be distant. You also want to exude positive energy.
Sure, maybe this moment will be like jumping with a parachute for you, but you just have to jump. Aimless leadership will not result in you being confident, or benefit your organization. Be a confident leader by staying focused and positive, effectively listening and executing a well-structured plan.
