Believe, Lead, Succeed: The Winning Formula for Senior Leaders

True abundance isn't measured by our net worth; it's measured by our self-worth. When we value ourselves, we unlock the door to limitless possibilities and genuine fulfillment. It's our inner confidence and self respect that truly defines our wealth, purpose and success.

Privileged to co-author an article with Coach Vikram once again…Happy Reading!

Believe, Lead, Succeed: The Winning Formula for Senior Leaders

You, as a leader, are AWESOME. That's a fact, not just flattery. But recognizing your awesomeness is where the real journey begins. In the world of executive presence leadership, the first step is to embrace your unique strengths. It's about looking inward, finding those gems of talent and capability, and using them to shape your path to success. This journey isn't just about reaching goals; it's about doing so in a way that resonates with who you truly are.

Marissa Mayer, the former President and CEO of Yahoo once admitted, “I always did something that I was a little not ready to do. I think that is how you grow. When there’s a moment of ‘Wow, I’m not so sure that I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, it’s then that you have a breakthrough. Sometimes that’s a sign that something really great is about to happen. You’re about to grow and learn a lot more about yourself.”??

So to say the truth- although some people are more naturally confident than others, we can all work to develop it over time. How? By possessing a strong sense of self-belief, confidence fuels and several transformative outcomes unfold.?

Give up trying to be Perfect??

It’s totally cool to have flaws as a leader. Seriously, nobody’s perfect! Own your quirks and be upfront about the stuff you’re not so great at. Even Bill Gates acknowledges that though he has been interested in computer software since childhood, he would not have been able to build his empire- Microsoft without self-belief. If you’re feeling a bit shaky in some areas, grab the tools, training, or support you need—or just dodge those tasks altogether if you can. By showing your team it’s okay to have gaps, you’re giving them permission to do the same. Total win-win!

Think back on your Successes ?

When you’re drowning in self-doubt, hit pause and focus on your past wins. Remember those moments when you totally crushed something that seemed impossible? Yeah, that’s the good stuff! Keep a journal full of these accomplishments. Next time you’re freaking out, whip it out and remind yourself how awesome you are. It’s like a little self-belief booster shot!

Prioritize behaviour over Attitude

As a leader, when you have a strong self-belief that helps you engage in positive self-talk, you will experience a 25% increase in your ability to inspire and motivate your teams (Judge et al., 2012). Don’t let your emotions drive the bus—focus on your skills instead. Which ones can you take with you to any gig? Which ones need a little polish? Pin down what needs to get done and when. Then, compare your game plan. Remember, you’re the MVP here, and self-belief is your asset.

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Impact on Leadership

Northouse describes self-belief as the “ability to be certain about one’s competencies and skills” and the self-assurance “that one can make a difference” (p. 33).? It’s not necessarily that the person is actually capable of doing the things that will influence others but it is the self-belief that those things can be done. L Steve Jobs as a self-belief leader underscores the significance that what this trait plays in being a star leader.?

Star Mindset

If you want to be a more confident leader, you also need to adapt and embrace a star mindset. As psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck explains in Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, people with a mindset of self-belief tend to embrace change and persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as the path to mastery, learn from criticism and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others.

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3 Immediately Applicable Action Steps

1. Ask yourself, "Are you treating yourself just as well as you treat others? Or are you holding onto unrealistic expectations?" If the answer resonates to yes, try adapting your own expectations, whether that entails altering your timeline for completion or asking for support.
2. Your intuition, intelligence, and experience will guide you in the right direction. Therefore, the next time you find yourself in a difficult circumstance, seek advice if necessary and trust your gut.
3. Be kind to yourself and give yourself credit. These achievements ought to be honoured. Ask yourself, "What progress have I made during the past six months? And how have I helped others in achieving their goals?"

Conclusion

Remember that developing self-belief is a personal process, a path without rules, which each person must follow in their own way. It involves the development of specific skills, the celebration of past successes, the establishment of realistic goals, and the promotion of a positive mindset. It’s a lifelong process, so be kind and patient with yourself!

Author:?

Rakesh Pant is a result oriented and strategic leader with 22+ years' experience in driving P&L, expansion, revenue growth, operational excellence and team management.

"Grow People, Grow P&L” has been the guiding principle throughout his professional journey.

Disclaimer - The views expressed in this article are Rakesh’s alone and do not reflect the views of his employer.

Co-Author: Coach Vikram is an Executive Presence Coach who empowers CXOs and senior leaders to harness the power of self-belief. He guides them to unlock their potential, overcome self-doubt, and lead with unwavering confidence. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership by embracing the strength of self-belief, Vikram is the coach who will help you achieve your greatest professional aspirations with your presence.?

References

• David T., James H., & Emily O., Effects of Self-Talk: A Systematic Review, Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Volume 33: Issue 5.
• Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). SAGE.
• Folkman, J. (2019, February 12). How Self-Confidence Can Help or Hurt Leaders. Forbes.??

#Leadership #ExecutivePresence #SelfBelief #Influence #Confidence?

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