What are effective strategies for female leaders to build self-confidence?

Great.But it is important to pay attention. ??What do we mean by “lack of confidence”? We need to be careful about talking about a “lack of confidence” as a blanket term. It is very important to remember that confidence is very context specific. All of us, men and women alike, are actually a kaleidoscope of different levels of confidence in different aspects of our lives or a senior lawyer may be very confident in her specialist aspects of the law but not in some of the wider business leadership issues required when stepping up to become partner.

Throughout my 25+ years in the Global Financial Services industry, performance reviews focused on how to improve 'weaknesses'. This method has been turned on its head in that there's greater (positive) impact when we focus on improving our strengths. We can't excel at everything.

One of the ways is to identify your strengths and achievements. We are all unique individuals and bring different skills to the table. Celebrate success and do not compare yourself to others, we are all different. Focus on your goals and progress.

It is high time we flip this narrative of targeting the recipients of systemic, structural, and cultural oppression and social hierarchies of power to adjust THEIR behavior to better survive systems of oppression. The issue isn’t that so many women leaders lack confidence and need to improve it. The issue is that a patriarchal system system (compounded by white dominance and late-stage capitalism) has created dynamics in society (politically, economically, and in the social psyche) that influence the work place and beyond such that expectations, cultural norms, policies at work and at home automatically set up women to feel like “failures” (and more so if they also hold minoritized identities). 1/2

Invest in yourself and continued learning. Getting feedback from mentors. Can help you grow in different areas that you might lack. The way that you see yourself and talk to yourself is important, so make sure you are kind and talk positively to yourself.

Mentors are absolutely invaluable. Atul Gawande has a great TED about having a coach in the operating room. As a highly skilled surgeon, he asked his former professor to observe him. He felt it was one of his best cases and was sure there would be limited feedback if any. To the contrary, his mentor had pages of notes. Why? we need someone to help us see blind spots and areas of improvement. Like professional athletes, those who are arguably the best in the ??- they continue to practice and train with coaches throughout their career. All of us should consider the same training model to continue to grow and develop as professionals and as people

Boosting self-confidence as a female leader? Seek diverse feedback and mentorship! ? Gather Varied Feedback: From bosses to customers, each perspective offers unique growth insights. #DiverseFeedback ? Embrace Criticism: Use constructive feedback as a tool for improvement. #GrowthMindset ? Find a Challenge-Oriented Mentor: A mentor who pushes your boundaries can be invaluable. #MentorshipMatters Feedback and mentorship are not just advice but pathways to personal and professional growth. #WomenInLeadership

If you struggle to find your own strengths, ask people around you. I find that we are often so focused on growth and filling any perceived gaps, that we often focus our feedback requests on what to improve, but it is absolutely crucial to know what you are good at and what others value in you.

Working with a mentor can ease and shorten the journey and help in reducing bottlenecks. Also it is important to develop allies within the industry and organization through networking and effective role model display.

Hiring a coach or seeking out a mentor is critical for navigating new leadership grounds, but great mentorship should also be coming from a network of peers. Seek out womens' groups, courses, or networks and engage with them often--many times, encountering others who are experiencing the same challenges as you can go much farther than a weekly or monthly coaching progam.

In mid-2007, with 3.5 year old twin children in tow, I left Australia and relocated to Hong Kong with my then employer, JPMorgan. I'd accepted a newly-created, regional role. Had never worked in Asia before. Had to build a team from scratch. It was exciting heading into the unknown. 16.5 years later, I am still in Hong Kong and thriving. So, go ahead and take a risk. Nothing is permanent.

The transformative shift from a mindset of "I'm not ready to do that" to "I want to do that" is key for female leaders and managers building self-confidence. Embracing challenges, even without all the knowledge at hand, mirrors a learning approach often seen in male counterparts. It's about converting the 'not yet' into an opportunity for growth and learning by doing. This mindset not only builds self-confidence but also sets a powerful example for others to follow.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for female leaders looking to boost confidence. Here's how: ? Dive into New Challenges: Embrace projects that stretch your abilities. Growth thrives in discomfort. #ChallengeAccepted ? Pursue Learning: Seek courses or workshops to enhance skills. Knowledge fuels confidence. #ContinuousLearning ? Confront Fears: Tackle what intimidates you professionally. Each victory builds more confidence. #BraveLeadership ? Welcome Feedback: Use constructive criticism as a tool for growth and self-assurance. #FeedbackIsAGift Every risk is a step towards stronger leadership. #WomenInLeadership

Positive self-talk is key. Here's how: ? Morning Affirmations: Start with empowering phrases like "I am capable" to set a positive tone. #StartStrong ? Reframe Challenges: View obstacles as growth opportunities. It shifts your mindset. #PositiveOutlook ? Acknowledge Small Wins: Celebrate every progress, however small. #SmallWinsBigImpact ? Evening Gratitude: End your day by appreciating the good. It cultivates a thankful mindset. #EndWithGratitude Positive self-talk isn't just uplifting, it's empowering. #WomenInLeadership #SelfEmpowerment

If you think positive self talk or affirmations are a bit too ‘woo woo’, consider the thousands of negative thoughts you *habitually* have every day. Intentionally adding in some positive self talk, particularly if it’s aimed at the goals, life and contribution you desire to have, is so essential to balance the scales in your favour. What’s one affirmation or statement you could recite each day to get you closer to where you want to go?

?? We train our brains. ???What we tell ourselves becomes our brains perception of reality ??Neuroscience tells us, what we focus on, we find ???Self-talk is incredibly important and powerful ?? Don’t focus on what you are missing or dont have, that creates a focus on the state of absence ???? ??Focus and tell yourself about all the wonderful qualities you have. This builds your self confidence and awareness. ??When your ready, tell yourself you already have the qualities you desire. This tells your ?? you have these qualities, rather than focusing on the desire, or an absence, which creates a subconscious negative mindset.

Transform your inner critic into an inner champion and talk to yourself like you would a trusted colleague. Would you let them dwell on a misstep? No, you'd remind them of their capabilities. Do the same for yourself. When that inner critic pipes up, respond with evidence of your competencies and past successes.

Self-confidence is a product of our mental health. A person might have different achievements but still feel underconfident. Self-confidence comes with practice, grit and resilience. Having supportive people might not always help, sometimes the don'ts help us more than the do's. Setting boundaries with people who always criticize the work done without suggesting improvement areas would definitely help. At the same time, take the feedback from them, and see what can be improved but never let it affect your mindset or ruin your day. Ultimately, there is something everyone's good at, so discover and improve. After all Self-confidence sprouts and grows within us and it's very personal.

Key for female leaders: surround yourself with positivity. ? Positive Circle: Choose those who uplift and inspire you. Their optimism boosts your confidence. #PositiveInfluence ? Mentorship Matters: Seek mentors who encourage and believe in your journey. #Mentorship ? Set Boundaries: Distance from negativity is crucial. Protect your mental space. #HealthyBoundaries ? Value Mutual Respect: Build connections with those who respect and value you. #SupportiveNetwork Your circle shapes your confidence. Choose it wisely. #LeadershipConfidence #WomenInLeadership

I agree, and believe this one should be first in the list. My experience has taught me that when I provide myself self-care to maintain mental and emotional well-being, the rest of my life seems to fall into place. I now practice mindfulness meditation and journaling to help manage stress and boost my confidence to be the best person I can be.

Don't underestimate the toll that constant micro-aggressions, or always being the only woman in the room, can take on you. Make sure you build a network of women who are in the same shoes to go to for moral support.

Self-care isn't just a spa day or a long nap. It might be those things from time to time. But more importantly, self-care is learning to listen to yourself and acknowledge and take care of your own needs. We learn as moms to recognize the cries of our babies. We don't often recognize that the unexplainable pain our body is because of stress. We have to normalize differences in needs. I may need more sleep. You may need more sunlight. I may need more interaction with people. You may need less. We are not one size fits all. But we all have needs. Physical, emotional, psychological needs. Learn to listen. And move taking care of yourself higher up the priority list than #6 out of 7.

My best experience was to avoid coffee or any caffeine. That will decrease anxiety. Do work out, and exercise on a regular base. It will help to feel stronger. And meditate. That will transform your way of perceiving things and way of thinking.

Work on the systems structures and processes that erode confidence. Eg hiring a woman and telling her to be more confident more outspoken and more self promoting simply reinforces that they are not enough. Instead valuing humility, listening and celebrating the successes of others, as they are incredible leadership traits, often undervalued in hypermasculine environments. “If the flower fails to bloom, what is it in the sun soil or water that is preventing it from becoming all it was meant to be. We don’t make change by blaming the flower”.

It is the same as for men. Be self assured and know that you are confident and able to make an impact. Your competition is yourself, focus on being better than you were the day before.

It's the same as for man. Just don't think that there are others you need to compete with. The only person you need to compete with is your yesterday-self.

Building effective community with other female leaders. It is harsh to overcome clash of female energy sometimes but we have to embrace each other, support and uplift instead of allowing ego autopilot to drive us.

I coach my female clients to build self-confidence through a blend of self-reflection, skill development, and community engagement. Self-reflection involves understanding personal strengths and weaknesses, setting realistic goals, and recognizing achievements. Skill development can be achieved through continuous learning, seeking mentorship, and embracing new challenges. Community engagement involves building supportive networks, seeking feedback, and collaborating with others. This holistic approach fosters a positive self-image and resilience, empowering female leaders to confidently navigate their leadership journey.