The Accidental CEO - Part 7

Leadership is rarely smooth sailing.

Leadership is more like navigating uncharted waters, full of unexpected challenges and constant change. As I reflect on my journey, it’s clear that I wouldn’t have reached where I am today without the support of people who embodied certain key qualities. Whether they were mentors who guided me, colleagues who collaborated with me, or team members who stepped up, they all had something in common.

Over the years, I’ve come to value what I call the 3 Cs: confident, capable, and can-do. These traits aren’t just qualities I look for when hiring or developing talent, they’re the very traits that have helped me succeed. People with these qualities have been the ones to steady the ship during turbulent times and push us forward when the path was unclear. They form the foundation of those who thrive in today’s unpredictable, fast-paced world and they inspire me to be a better leader every day.?

Insight 1: Confident (but not arrogant)

Confidence is crucial, but let’s be clear - it’s about having a grounded, self-assured belief in your own abilities, not arrogance. The people who stand out to me are those who can walk into a room and own their space without dominating others. They’re confident enough to speak up, share ideas, and take initiative, but they’re also humble enough to listen and learn.

Confidence is a quality I always look to develop in my team because it allows people to tackle challenges head-on. But it’s not just about self-belief. It’s about being able to recover when things don’t go according to plan. I want people who can pick themselves up after setbacks and keep pushing forward with resilience.

Insight 2: Capable (skills + adaptability)

Capability goes beyond having the technical skills or qualifications on paper. It’s about being adaptable, a fast learner, and someone who can navigate complexity. In today’s world, things change quickly, and the best people are those who can pivot, adapt, and find solutions in unexpected situations.

I’ve learned to spot capability not just in those with experience, but in those who show a hunger to learn. Sometimes, it’s the person who’s willing to roll up their sleeves and figure things out, even if they don’t have all the answers upfront. That drive to be resourceful is a capability in itself.

Insight 3: Can-do attitude (the determination to make things happen)

If there’s one quality that sets apart those who truly succeed, it’s the can-do attitude. I’m drawn to people who don’t see obstacles as roadblocks but as challenges to overcome. A can-do attitude is the difference between someone who stops at the first sign of trouble and someone who’s willing to get creative to find a solution.

I’ve seen firsthand that people with a can-do spirit are the ones who push projects over the finish line, especially when things get tough. They’re the team members who inspire others to keep going, even when it would be easier to give up.

Final thoughts

Bringing together these 3 Cs; confidence, capability, and a can-do attitude, is my recipe for identifying great talent. But when it comes to my own approach to leadership, there’s one more ingredient that ties it all together: trust.

A leader’s role isn’t to micromanage but to create an environment where confident, capable, and can-do people can thrive. It’s about giving people the autonomy to take ownership, supporting them when they need it, and stepping back to let them shine. When you trust your team and they trust you in return, that’s where the magic happens.

– The Accidental CEO

If you are interested in my previous posts:

The Accidental CEO #1 - The Accidental CEO

The Accidental CEO #2 - Embracing uniqueness shaped my career

The Accidental CEO #3 - Trade-offs are part of success

The Accidental CEO #4 - Take a chance on me

The Accidental CEO #5 - The rollercoaster ride of leadership

The accidental CEO #6 - The power of connection