What are the best ways to develop confidence as an executive leader?

This may not be a popular answer ?? Confidence should be well constructed and in place before any leadership title is granted. The title should be late to the game - you have already been doing the work and have the confidence. We don’t give unproven airline pilots or dentists or brain surgeons titles - why leaders? The best leaders I’ve worked for have done all the work, made all the impact well before they had a title.

The elusive art of confidence requires more than just a firm handshake and a killer PowerPoint presentation. Confidence is the powerhouse that fuels trust, clarity, and decisive action. However, confidence isn't a birthright or a permanent state; it's a craft you can nurture, polish, and refine. Embark on a journey of self-discovery, assessing your strengths and areas for improvement, creating a tailored blueprint for growth. Fortify your confidence by embracing practice, feedback, and persistence, while dismantling formidable foes like self-doubt, impostor syndrome, and the dread of failure. Remember, as an executive leader, your quest for confidence is an ongoing expedition, charting your course to success.

In my experience, confidence stems from a potent combination of self-awareness and nurturing a growth-mindset. As an executive, it is critical that you have insight into your so-called 'edge' and potential self-sabotaging traits. When you start to engage core strengths strategically, you start to generate wins that create a positive feedback loop of heightened self-esteem. Similarly, approaching self-sabotaging traits with the mental fortitude to create small consistent positive behavioral changes, can work to not only boost your confidence, but also garner greater trust from key stakeholders. Approaching challenge and ambiguity with a growth-mindset renders greater resilience; knowing failures are but stepping stones to success.

First goal should be to understand the friction your team experiences that reduces their effectiveness. This is 100% the leaders job and can’t be delegated. Find the top 3 and either eliminate or lubricate them. All other goals will be better served.

As an executive leader you are expected to lead - you are not expected to have all the answers. Utilise the knowledge and expertise of your team - the ones actually doing the day-to-day operations. Your role is to gather the information and make informed decisions. Build a strong and competent team and your confidence will grow with it.

As an executive, it's easy to fall prey to the illusion of omnipotence. But let's get real – nobody knows it all, and often, it's the hardworking individuals in the trenches who possess invaluable insights. Embrace humility and tap into the goldmine of knowledge your team has to offer. By actively seeking input and fostering open dialogue, you cultivate an environment of collaboration and innovation, propelling your organization to new heights. So, shatter the glass ceiling of ego and embrace the collective wisdom that surrounds you. In doing so, you'll not only refine your leadership skills but also cultivate a dynamic and thriving organization.

Authentic confidence (executive or otherwise) always comes from experience and execution. To assure this we need continual practice; it’s an ongoing and evolving lifestyle. Similar to top athletes, our game needs constant adaptation. This means working on theory (strategy, continuing education, reading, etc.) as much as in practice (live role play, pre-planning and recording for presentations, impromptu speeches, etc.). No one will be flawless in their respective game but practice always leads us to progress.

Becoming a great leader is about understanding those around you… Ask open ended non threatening questions of your team. Follow up with questions like… “Can you tell me more about ______ .“ It is important to listen and repeat what is said in order to understand what the person is saying. Let the team member talk with out interruption unless you need to repeat back what they said for clarification and understanding. At the first of the conversation, ask for permission to interrupt with clarifying questions so you can fully understand what they are saying. As a leader it is your job to learn and coach. ??The process above helps build confidence in yourself, as well as those around you.