The best business and social leaders didn’t climb to the positions they occupy through luck. If you want to be a smart, successful leader, you need to possess skills, determination, and confidence in yourself. Self-confidence is something that many people struggle with. What are the five ways that smart leaders boost their own confidence?
Pick a Role Model
Everyone has a role model they look up to. As young children, many people look up to their parents for guidance on morals, behavior, and beliefs. If you played sports as a child, you undoubtedly had a role model whose style helped shape your game. The same applies to business. Choose a leader you admire and analyze the qualities this person possesses. Do you have any of those qualities? Can you develop some of those qualities?
Upgrade Your Network
A better IT network helps your business operate more efficiently and reach more customers. Similarly, your social and professional networks can help boost your confidence and build connections with people that can help develop your career. For example, if you’re going to be part of a business meeting with powerful contacts within your industry, do your homework. Do you have any mutual contacts that could introduce you? Do you have any way of building a closer connection to this person?
Own Your Strengths, and Your Weaknesses
No one is perfect; the sooner you accept that, the better. Perform a SWOT analysis on yourself and determine what your strengths and weaknesses are. Play toward your strengths whenever possible, and realize when your weaknesses will hold you back. Once you’ve done this, find a way to turn some of your weaknesses into strengths. It may not always be possible, but it never hurts to try and build on a weakness.
Trust Your Gut
You weren’t just handed a leadership position within your industry because someone liked you or because you possess good looks. In order to succeed in the world of business, you have to prove yourself. Once you’ve made it into a leadership position, it is OK to fall back on your belief in your abilities. The experience, intelligence, and instincts you possess got you where you are today. Trust your gut when you face challenging scenarios, take input if needed, and be decisive.
Give Yourself Credit When Due
There’s an old saying that tries to keep people modest: “don’t break your arm patting yourself on the back.” The phrase is meant to prevent your hubris from taking control of your life and letting your head get too big, but there is nothing wrong with giving yourself credit when it is due. Have you grown as a leader or professional in the last six months? Did you have a positive impact on the lives of others? If so, celebrate those milestones and you’ll find your confidence growing by the day.
A lot of your confidence is built by success and praise from others. However, you do have the power to build your own business confidence with a few simple steps.
