Leadership is a lonely journey. That's an inexorable truth. When you have to make a decision, in the strict terms of a leadership action, two things are necessary, as Clausewitz' phylosophy can shed a light: (i) competency, in terms of seeing a clear line of action in a short time. Clausewitz names is "couep d'oil" -"stroke of an eye", or, in nowadays terms, "at a glance leadership". It takes loads of study and experience to get to this "rapid discovery of a truth"; (ii) courage to follow the path lit by this couep d'oil. Study is basis; courage is practice reproduced recursively, so it can incorporate your personal culture. These two ingredients, taken together, shape confidence.

You can cultivate confidence in your leadership skills by adopting a mindset of continuous learning. Recognize that you won’t have all the answers from the start. Embrace challenges with flexibility and focus on improving your abilities. Seek mentorship from experienced individuals who can offer guidance and support, providing valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. Start by setting small, achievable goals. Each success will strengthen your belief in your ability to move forward. At the same time, make decisive choices and don’t shy away from challenges—learning from both successes and failures is crucial for effective leadership growth. Effective communication and transparency with your team are key to building mutual trust.

When you're hungry you just open the fridge to find a snack without thinking. Same mindset - continue to strive for growth, stay hungry, and keep moving. Practice makes perfect and with time you will gain confidence.

The #1 way to cultivate confidence in your leadership skills is to do a 3S assessment: What skills, system & strategy do I have and what do I need to achieve my vision & goals in a direct, efficient, & healthy way? The first 2 are the process and plan (the What) and the 3rd is the means, system & culture (the How). Entrepreneurs must evaluate their comfort & effectiveness in each. Hiring an expert guide is the fastest approach to set direction & succeed. Confidence comes from skills, focused action, decision-making, accountability, & tracking. Direct & clear communication fueled by metrics is the confidence formula. Finally, the strong internal & external relationships (AKA trusted team) drives confidence. Don’t go it alone.

To cultivate confidence in your leadership skills as a new entrepreneur, begin by seeking knowledge through reading, courses, and mentorship. Practice self-reflection to identify your strengths and areas for improvement, allowing you to focus on what you excel at. Surround yourself with a supportive network of peers and mentors who can offer guidance and constructive feedback. Set small, achievable goals to build a track record of successes, reinforcing your belief in your capabilities. Finally, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, recognizing that each setback contributes to your growth as a leader.