Building Confidence: Making Big Decisions as a Leader

Ahmya Rivera Limitless Lounge Contributor

As a leader, the weight of decision-making rests squarely on your shoulders. Whether

you're steering a team through turbulent times, charting the course for a major project, or

guiding an organization toward its strategic goals, making big decisions comes with the

territory. The responsibility of making significant decisions is an uneasy balancing act of

analyzing data, assessing risks, considering multiple perspectives, and trusting your

instincts.

Despite the stress, embracing the challenge of making big decisions is integral to effective

leadership. Stepping into discomfort and acknowledging the gravity of the situation allows

you to take thorough and decisive action. With that being said, here are more ways that I

built confidence as a leader—especially as a younger leader:

I recognized my strengths: Understand what you bring to the table as a leader. Recognize

the skills, experiences, and expertise that qualify you to make informed decisions.

I always seek knowledge and feedback: Continuously educate yourself about your chosen

industry, market trends, and leadership best practices. Actively seek feedback from peers,

mentors, and team members to refine decision-making process.

I embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Every leader faces setbacks. Instead of

viewing failures as a sign of weakness, see them as opportunities for growth. Reflect on

what went wrong, extract lessons, and apply those insights moving forward.

I built a support network: Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors,

advisors, and colleagues who can offer guidance, encouragement, and different

perspectives to lean on when facing tough decisions.

I stay authentic: I found authenticity breeds confidence. Be true to your values, principles,

and vision as a leader. Authenticity not only builds trust and certainty but also strengthens

your resolve when making difficult decisions.

By following these tips, I have built the confidence needed to make impactful decisions as a

leader, navigate challenges effectively, and inspire trust and respect among my team and

stakeholders. Remember, confidence is not just about certainty but also about the courage

to act decisively in the face of uncertainty!