Building Leadership Confidence
Kate Waterfall Hill
Leadership coach, author, podcast host and creator of “Linda, the bad manager”. Book & podcast both called “How to Lead". Free Intentional Leadership Guide available to download from website.
Does this sound familiar? You've stepped into a leadership role (or started your own business), but that nagging voice keeps asking, "Who put me in charge, and what were they thinking?"?
You're not alone.
According to Harvard Business Review, 75% of executives experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers.
But here's the truth about leadership confidence:
It's not just about time served. While experience helps, authentic confidence comes from understanding that leadership isn't about having all the answers – it's about having the courage to find them.
The skills gap in leadership is real. Being excellent at your job doesn't automatically translate into leading a team effectively. However, waiting for complete mastery before feeling confident is like waiting to be completely fireproof before becoming a firefighter.
Practical Strategies for Building Confidence
1. Create a Competence-Confidence Loop: Take on challenges that stretch but don't break you. Each small success builds both competence and confidence.
2. Build Your Evidence Portfolio: Keep a record of your achievements, positive feedback, and successful projects. When self-doubt kicks in, you'll have concrete evidence to counter it.
3. Establish Strong Support Systems: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and advisors who can provide perspective when yours wavers.
4. Set Clear Boundaries: Strong leaders know when to say no. Focus on meaningful impact rather than endless task completion.
Moving Forward
Remember, some self-doubt is normal – even healthy. It shows you care about doing well. And nerves serve as a red flag to remind you to do some self-reflection, planning, preparation or even a rehearsal. The key is not to let it paralyse you. Start each day by identifying one leadership action you're certain you can execute well, and end it by noting something you handled better than expected.
True leadership confidence isn't about never doubting yourself – it's about moving forward despite those doubts. After all, if you're waiting to feel completely ready before you lead, you might be waiting forever.
Want to dive deeper?
Listen to this week’s episode of “How to Lead”, the podcast for CEOs, founders and leaders who want to find the perfect balance of empathy and authority. I go into more detail about how to build confidence, giving you some clear next steps for being the leader you want to be and your team deserves.
Until next time,
Kate
Founder BIP100Club @WhatsApp +447875695012
1 周Very good Kate ??
Founder @ HR Habitat | HR, Leadership + Employment Law Consultant | Join 100s Globally in Our Psychology + Science Backed Leadership Program | HR Dept For Less Than Minimum Wage
1 周Being is leader is about empowering others to success. It’s a learned process and doesn’t happen over night. Great post
Business Development Consultant | Strategic Growth & Partnerships | Industry Expert. Let's connect!
1 周Kate, this really hits home for me, not that I’ve ever classed myself as a leader, more as a connector of people and information. I think for so many leaders, this resonates because, no one hands you a manual on how to feel like a leader. Sure, there are books and blogs, but most still have that WTF moment—and honestly, I think everyone should. Being uncomfortable is a driver for great leaders, isn’t it? Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate; it just whispers louder when you step into bigger roles. Some people just get better at managing it. What really stands out is the idea that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about having the courage to figure it out. That mindset shift is a game-changer. I have huge admiration for those who can own the fear, push forward, and exude confidence while blocking out the whispers of doubt. I love the ‘Competence-Confidence Loop’—taking small, intentional steps forward instead of waiting to feel ‘ready.’ Because waiting is standing still, and if you stand still long enough, success will pass you by. Great insights, as always! Looking forward to diving into the podcast episode (and your Tiktok clips ;-) ) . ??"