There are people who are born to lead and people who learn to lead, and then there are the rest who are content to follow the person in charge. However, most people do not blindly follow the leader.
It is important to know the leader is up to the job of taking charge and making game-day decisions. What if you are in a leadership role but you do not seem to be making an impact as a leader? Perhaps you are not confident in your ability to lead. Self-confidence is an essential trait in an effective leader.
The role of the leader
The leadership role has changed over the last decade. Leaders are no longer in their position because of entitlement. It is not their job title, name or birth order that opens the door to the leadership position.
Today, a good leader does not control those below him/her, but rather motivates and empowers those that follow. This is done by fostering open communication. A confident leader is not afraid of differing opinions and in fact, welcomes them. Open communication promotes an environment where people are allowed to have a voice which gives rise to new innovations and ideas.
A leader is the one who is called upon to make a spur of the moment decision and must be confident in making it. This does not mean that the decision is always right. A strong, confident leader does not have an ego that overshadows the admittance of a mistake. Making a mistake offers important information about the road ahead. It gives everyone the opportunity to see what has not worked and adjust the approach for future endeavors.
The role of self-confidence
Confidence allows the leader to have a goal and a vision of how to achieve that goal. A confident leader will be able to form a plan for the team and develop effective strategies for implementation.
Self-confidence also allows a leader to make decisions and take action as needed. It allows the leader to trust those actions and his capabilities in a way that lets the team know they can trust his decisions.
A team needs to trust and respect their leader, but the leader needs to earn the acceptance of his team. The team looks for signs that will show them what kind of leader stands before them. This is where self-confidence plays its biggest role in determining the ability of a leader to be successful.
Some attributes that signify a confident leader include:
- Has a vision of the destination
- Has a clear strategy
- Makes decisive actions
- Is self-assured
- Has the ability to motivate others
- Empowers the team
- Is ambitious
- Admits and corrects mistakes
- Accepts feedback
- Is consistent
A confident leader should know the difference between confidence and arrogance. A leader with a big ego does not create an equal working environment or an environment that promotes creativity. Confidence is firm but considerate. Arrogance allows for only one opinion in the room.
A confident leader is able to be honest and genuine and promote the team in a way that gains their trust. He/she is able to achieve success for his team and sees the importance of creating an environment that will lead to new innovations and a stronger business.