Building Confidence as a Leader

As an executive coach, I’ve sat across from countless leaders — caught between executing top-down plans and rallying their teams. I’ve been there too, years ago, in a leadership role where I second-guessed every move. Confidence felt out of reach. But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s not a gift; it’s a practice.

Start by knowing yourself. When I felt shaky before a big presentation, I’d pause and ask, What’s driving this? Usually, it was fear of looking foolish — not reality. I’d tell myself, “I don’t need to dazzle; I just need to show up.” One manager I coached, drowning in self-doubt, tried this. She stopped obsessing over perfection and focused on her team’s needs — her confidence clicked into place.
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Then, stack small wins. I’d challenge myself to lead a meeting with clarity, and when it worked, I felt stronger. Ask a colleague, “What landed well today?” — I did, and their answers surprised me. Finally, speak up. My first shaky pitch taught me more than months of silence. Confidence grows when you act. You’re not alone in this — I’ve been there, and I’ve got your back.