Building REAL Confidence - A Key to Success for Leaders

Leagan Gaeilge Thíos - Irish Version Follows

As a media professional and a former public representative, I’ve had lots of opportunities to speak in public, present my ideas, to challenge opinions and be challenged on mine, in different environments. But no matter how many times I do that, I still get butterflies when I am presented with a new audience, a different forum, or an unfamiliar setting. Self-doubt can often set in. I’ve come to understand that this is a natural phenomenon and probably essential if we are to grow in our abilities. Building confidence helps.

In this week’s newsletter on REAL (Resilient, Empowering, Authentic) Leadership, I want to show you how you can do that too, focusing on a crucial aspect of your leadership success: Confidence.

The Essence of Confidence in Leadership

Confidence in leadership transcends mere self-belief. It's a multifaceted strength that combines self-awareness, understanding of others, and a clear vision. A confident leader not only trusts their abilities but also inspires confidence in those around them. This type of confidence is not loud or overbearing; rather, it's a calm assurance that guides decisions, influences change, and faces challenges with a steady hand. It's about knowing your worth, acknowledging your limitations, and having the courage to be vulnerable.

Introducing the Seven Hallmarks of Confident REAL Leaders

Confident leaders are not born; they are made. They exhibit certain traits that set them apart. Let's explore these seven hallmarks that are consistently visible in REAL leaders:

1. Decisiveness: Confident leaders analyse situations quickly and make decisions with conviction. They understand that timely decision-making, even with limited information, is often better than no decision at all.
2. Clarity in Communication: They articulate their vision and goals with precision and passion, ensuring that their message is understood and embraced by all.
3. Empathy: These leaders actively listen and empathize, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and understood.
4. Adaptability: They are flexible and adaptable, navigating through change without losing sight of their core objectives.
5. Positive Influence: Their confidence is infectious, creating an uplifting and motivating atmosphere for their teams.
6. Openness to Learning: Confident leaders are lifelong learners. They are humble enough to acknowledge what they don't know and are eager to grow.
7. Resilience: They demonstrate an incredible ability to recover from setbacks, using these experiences as stepping stones for future success.

?

The Impact of a Confidence Deficit

A lack of confidence in leadership can have far-reaching effects. It can lead to indecision, miscommunication, and a lack of direction, which in turn can erode the trust and morale of a team. Without confidence, leaders may fail to inspire, struggle to make necessary changes, or be unable to effectively manage crises. This can create a ripple effect, impacting the entire organization's performance and culture.

Leaders Exemplifying Confidence

To truly understand the power of confidence in leadership, let's look at some inspiring examples. These leaders, each in their unique way, have demonstrated how confidence can be a driving force in achieving remarkable success and making a significant impact. Their stories are testaments to the transformative power of confident leadership.

• Margrethe Vestager (Executive Vice President of the European Commission for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age): Vestager's confident approach in regulating big tech companies and her commitment to digital fairness have positioned her as a formidable and respected leader in the global tech policy arena.
• John and Patrick Collison (Co-founders of Stripe): The Collison brothers, from Ireland, have shown remarkable confidence in revolutionizing online payments through Stripe. Their vision and determination have made Stripe one of the most valuable private fintech companies in the world.
• Alexandre Mars (French Philanthropist and Entrepreneur): Mars, a serial entrepreneur turned philanthropist, has demonstrated confidence in his mission to improve the world through social entrepreneurship. His foundation, Epic, supports youth and social innovation, showcasing how confidence can drive impactful change beyond the corporate world.

?

Introducing the Ten Steps to Building Your REAL Confidence

Building confidence is a journey, not a destination. So how can REAL Leaders maximise their confidence? Here are ten practical steps to help you on this path:

1. Embrace Vulnerability: Recognize that being vulnerable is a strength, not a weakness. It's about being honest with yourself and others about your fears and challenges.
2. Set Achievable Goals: Break your objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. Achieving these will give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence.
3. Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback is invaluable. It provides a different perspective and helps you improve.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest successes. This reinforces positive behaviour and outcomes.
5. Practice Decisiveness: Start with small decisions to build this skill. Each decision will make you more confident in your ability to choose wisely.
6. Invest in Self-Improvement: Whether it's learning a new skill or enhancing existing ones, investing in yourself is a sure way to boost confidence.
7. Cultivate a Positive Mindset: Focus on the positives and maintain a solution-oriented approach to challenges.
8. Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. A strong network can be a source of encouragement and advice.
9. Reflect Regularly: Take time to reflect on your experiences and learn from them. This helps in understanding your growth journey.
10. Lead by Example: Your confidence can inspire others. Show your team what confident leadership looks like.

?

Follow Your Heart

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. said, “Your time is limited, don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition".

This quote, from his famous 2005 Stanford commencement address, encapsulates Jobs' philosophy on life and success. It emphasizes the importance of self-belief and following one's own path, rather than being swayed by the expectations or opinions of others. Jobs' life and career were a testament to this belief. He faced many challenges, including being ousted from Apple, the very company he founded, but he remained true to his vision and values, which ultimately led to his triumphant return and the company's unprecedented success. His words continue to inspire many to trust their instincts and have confidence in their unique abilities and ideas.

Be Your Unique Self

The recognition of one's unique strengths and abilities is not just a self-affirming exercise; it's a cornerstone of effective leadership. REAL Leaders understand that acknowledging their distinct talents and skills is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters self-awareness, a key attribute that allows leaders to leverage their strengths strategically while being mindful of areas for growth. Secondly, this recognition is vital for authenticity – it empowers leaders to lead from a place of genuine self-understanding, rather than imitating others. This authenticity resonates with teams, fostering trust and respect. Additionally, understanding one's unique abilities enables leaders to model confidence and resilience, inspiring their teams to also recognize and utilize their strengths. In essence, when REAL Leaders embrace and acknowledge their individual capabilities, they not only optimize their leadership potential but also create an environment where others are encouraged to shine in their own right.

Be a “Confidence Catalyst"

As we develop our REAL leadership capabilities, understanding and building confidence is not just beneficial; it's essential. Here, are three focused actions that you can implement to catalyse your growth in confidence. These steps encourage you to not only reflect on your leadership journey but also to actively engage in practices that enhance your confidence, thereby empowering you to become a more effective and inspiring leader in your respective spheres.

1. Reflect and Recognize: Take a moment to reflect on your leadership journey and recognize your strengths and areas for growth.
2. Commit to One Step: Choose one of the ten steps and commit to it for the next month. Small, consistent actions lead to significant changes.
3. Inspire and Share: Share your journey and progress with your network. Your story can inspire others to embark on their confidence-building journey.

Be Brave

As REAL Leaders, your influence is immense. Embrace your role, build your confidence, and lead by example. The world needs your unique talents and vision. Take a deep breath, step forward with confidence and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can create a legacy of strong, confident, and effective leadership.

If you found this article useful, please comment, like and share with others who might find it beneficial in their leadership journey. Go forth and be a REAL Leader!

FíOR Mhuinín a Fhorbairt – An Bhunchloch do Rath Ceannairí

Mar ghairmí sna meáin agus mar iar-ionadaí poiblí, bhí agus bíonn go leor deiseanna agam labhairt go poiblí, mo chuid smaointe a chur i láthair, dúshlán a thabhairt do thuairimí daoine eile agus mo dhúshlán a féin bheith tugtha, i dtimpeallachtaí éagsúla. Ach is cuma cé mhéad uair a dhéanaim é sin, bíonn sceitimíní fós orm nuair a chuirtear mé os comhair lucht féachana nua, i bhfóram difriúil, nó i suíomh neamhghnách. Ag ócáidí mar sin is féidir leis an bhféin-amhras greim a fháil orm fós. Tuigim gur rud nádúrtha é seo agus is dócha go bhfuil sé riachtanach, má tá ar gcumas chun bláthú. Cuidíonn cothú muiníne linn.

I nuachtlitir FíOR Cheannaireachta na seachtaine seo, teastaíonn uaim a léiriú cén chaoi gur féidir leat é sin a dhéanamh, ag díriú ar ghné ríthábhachtach amháin don cheannaireacht rathúil: Muinín.

éirim na Muiníne sa Cheannaireacht

ó thaobh na ceannaireachta de, tá níos mó i gceist le muinín ná díreach an féinchreideamh. Is cumas ilghnéitheach é a chuimsíonn féinfheasacht, tuiscint ar dhaoine eile, agus fís shoiléir a bheith agat. Ní hamháin go bhfuil iontaobh ag ceannaire muiníneach as a gcumas féin, ach spreagann siad muinín sna daoine timpeall orthu freisin. Níl an cineál muiníne seo glórach, ná gaisciúil; ina ionad sin, is cur chuige socair é, a threoraíonn cinntí, a imríonn tionchar ar an athrú, agus a thugann aghaidh go stuama ar dhúshláin. Baineann sé le do luach féin a bheith ar eolas agat, do theorainneacha a aithint, agus an misneach a bheith agat a bheith leochaileach le daoine eile.

?

Seacht Sainmharc na gCeannairí FíOR Mhuiníneach

Ní bheirtear ceannairí muiníneacha, múnlaítear iad. Léiríonn siad tréithe faoi leith a scarann amach iad ó dhaoine eile. Déanaimis iniúchadh ar na seacht sainmharc seo atá le feiceáil go soiléir i bhFíOR cheannairí:

1. Cinntitheacht: Déanann ceannairí muiníneacha anailís ar chásanna go tapa agus déanann siad cinntí cinnte. Tuigeann siad gur fearr go minic cinnteoireacht thráthúil, fiú le faisnéis theoranta, ná gan aon chinneadh a ghlacadh.
2. Soiléireacht sa Chumarsáid: Cuireann siad a bhfís agus a spriocanna in iúl le cruinneas agus le paisean, ag cinntiú go dtuigeann agus go nglacann gach duine lena dteachtaireacht.
3. Comhbhá: éisteann na ceannairí seo go gníomhach agus bíonn siad tuisceanach, ag cruthú timpeallachta ina mbraitheann gach duine go bhfuil meas agus omós orthu.
4. Solúbthacht: Tá siad solúbtha agus in ann cúrsa a athrú más gá, ag glacadh leis an athrú, gan radharc a chailleadh ar a bpríomhchuspóirí.
5. Tionchar Dearfach: Tá a muinín tógálach, rud a chruthaíonn atmaisféar misniúil agus spreagúil dá bhfoirne.
6. Oscailteacht don Fhoghlaim: Is foghlaimeoirí fadsaoil iad na ceannairí muiníneacha. Tá siad umhal go leor chun aitheantas a thabhairt do na nithe nach bhfuil ar eolas acu agus tá fonn orthu fás go leanúnach mar dhaoine.
7. Teacht Aniar: Léiríonn siad cumas dochreidte chun teacht aniar ó dhúshláin, ag baint úsáide as na heispéiris seo mar chlocha cora don rath sa todhchaí.

?

Tionchar Easpa Muiníne

Is féidir le h-impleachtaí forleathana a bheith ag easpa muiníne ceannairí. D'fhéadfadh sé a bheith ina chúis le míchinnteacht, cumarsáid fabhtach, agus easpa treoir, rud a d'fhéadfadh muinín agus meanma foirne a ídiú. Gan muinín, d'fhéadfadh sé go dteipfeadh ar cheannairí daoine a spreagadh, go mbeidís ag streachailt chun athruithe riachtanacha a chuir i bhfeidhm, nó gan a bheith in ann géarchéimeanna a bhainistiú go héifeachtach. Is féidir leis seo dul i bhfeidhm ar bhealach níos leithne, ag cur as d’fheidhmíocht agus cultúr na heagraíochta ar fad fiú.

?

Ceannairí a Léiríonn Féin-Mhuinín

Chun cumhacht na muiníne sa cheannaireacht a thuiscint níos fearr, féachaimis anois ar roinnt samplaí spreagúla. Léirigh na ceannairí seo, gach ceann acu ar a mbealach uathúil féin, cén chaoi gur féidir leis an muinín a bheith ina údar spreagadh chun rath iontach a bhaint amach agus tionchar suntasach a imirt. Is léiriú iad a gcuid scéalta ar chumhacht chlaochlaitheach na ceannaireachta muiníní.

• Margrethe Vestager ?(Leas-Uachtarán Feidhmiúcháin an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh um Eoraip Oiriúnach don Ré Dhigiteach): Tá cur chuige muiníneach Vestager maidir le cuideachtaí móra teicneolaíochta a rialáil agus a tiomantas don chothroime dhigiteach tar éis í a léiriú mar cheannaire muiníneach agus meas tuillte dá réir aici i réimse na teicneolaíochta go domhanda.
• John agus Patrick Collison (Comhbhunaitheoirí Stripe): Tá muinín as cuimse léirithe ag na deartháireacha Collison, as éirinn, as íocaíochtaí ar líne a athrú ó bhonn trí Stripe. Mar gheall ar a bhfís agus a ndiongbháilteacht, tá Stripe ar cheann de na cuideachtaí teicneolaíochta airgeadais príobháideacha is luachmhaire ar domhan.
• Alexandre Mars (Daonchara agus Fiontraí Francach): Léirigh Mars, fiontraí srathach daonchairdis, muinín ina mhisean chun an domhan a fheabhsú trí fhiontraíocht shóisialta. Tacaíonn a fhondúireacht, Epic, le nuálaíocht óige agus shóisialta, ag léiriú an chaoi gur féidir le muinín athrú suntasach a chothú, ar bhealach níos leithne ná an domhan corparáideach.

?

Na Deich gCéimeanna chun Do FíOR Mhuinín a Neartú

Is turas fada, seachas ceann scribe, atá san aistear chun do mhuinín a chothú. Mar sin, cén chaoi ar féidir le FíOR Cheannairí a muinín a neartú? Seo deich gcéim phraiticiúla duit chun cabhrú leat ar an mbóthar seo:

1. Glacadh leis an Leochaileacht: Is fiú a thuiscint gur bua é a bheith leochaileach, ní laige. Baineann sé le bheith ionraic leat féin agus le daoine eile, faoin eagla a bhíonn ort agus faoi do chuid dúshláin.
2. Socraigh Spriocanna Indéanta: Bris do chuspóirí síos i dtascanna níos lú, atá indéanta. Nuair a bhaineann tú amach iad seo, aireoidh tú go bhfuil dul chun cinn dhá dheanamh agat agus cuirfidh sé le do mhuinín ionat féin.
3. Cuardaigh Aiseolas: Tá aiseolas cuiditheach fíorluachmhar. Tugann sé dearcadh difriúil duit agus cabhraíonn sé leat feabhas a chur ort féin.
4. Déan Ceiliúradh ar Bhuanna Beaga: Tabhair faoi deara agus déan ceiliúradh ar na buanna beaga a bhíonn agat. Treisíonn sé seo iompar agus torthaí dearfacha.
5. Cleachtaigh Cinntitheacht: Tosaigh le cinntí beaga chun an scil seo a thógáil. Méadóidh gach cinneadh a dhéanann tú do mhuinín ionat féin chun cinntí stuama a dhéanamh.
6. Déan Infheistiú i d’Féinfheabhsú: Bíodh tú ag foghlaim scil nua, nó ag feabhsú na cinn atá agat cheana féin, is bealach dearfach é infheistíocht a dhéanamh ionat féin, chun do mhuinín a mhéadú.
7. Cothaigh Meon Dearfach: Dírigh ar rudaí dearfacha agus cleachtaigh cur chuige atá dírithe ar réiteach a fháil ar dhúshláin.
8. Forbair Líonra Tacúil: Timpeallaigh tú féin le daoine atá dearfach agus a thacaíonn leat. Is féidir le líonra tacúil a bheith ina fhoinse spreagadh agus comhairle agat.
9. Déan machnamh go rialta: Tóg am chun machnamh a dhéanamh ar chúrsaí agus foghlaim ón méíd atá tarlaithe. Cuidíonn sé seo leat tuiscint a fháil ar do thuras fáis.
10. Déan Beart De Réir Briathar: Is féidir le do mhuinín daoine eile a spreagadh. Léirigh do d'fhoireann an chuma atá ar cheannaireacht mhuiníneach.

?

Lean Do Chroí

Dúirt Steve Jobs, comhbhunaitheoir Apple, "Tá do chuid ama teoranta, ná cuir amú é ag caitheamh saol duine eile. Ná bí gafa ag dogma, a chiallaíonn do shaol a chaitheamh de réir modh smaointeoireachta daoine eile. Ná lig do thorann tuairimí daoine eile do ghlór inmheánach féin a bhá. Agus an rud is tábhachtaí, bíodh sé de mhisneach agat do chroí agus d'iomas féin a leanúint".

Cuimsíonn an ráiteas seo, óna aitheasc cáiliúil oscailte ag Ollscoil Stanford, i 2005, fealsúnacht Jobs ar an saol agus ar an rath. Leagann sé béim ar an tábhacht a bhaineann le féinmhuinín agus do chosán féin a leanúint, seachas a bheith meallta ag ionchais nó tuairimí daoine eile. Teistiméireacht ar an dtuiscint sin ab ea saol agus gairmbheatha Jobs féin. Bhí go leor dúshláin roimhe, lena n-áirítear a bheith díbeartha ó Apple, an chuideachta a bhunaigh sé féin, ach d'fhan sé dílis dá fhís agus dá luachanna, rud a d'fhág gur fhill sé go buacach agus go raibh páirt lárnach aige i rath dochreidte na comhlachta ina dhiaidh sin. Spreagann a chuid briathra cuid mhaith daoine fós chun muinín a bheith acu ina gcumas agus smaointe sainiúla féin.

Bí Mar Tú Féin

Ní cleachtadh féin-dhearbhaithe amháin atá ann aitheantas a thabhairt dod’ láidreachtaí agus cumais uathúla féin; is é bunchloch na ceannaireachta éifeachtach é.? Tuigeann FíOR Cheannairí go bhfuil sé ríthábhachtach aitheantas a thabhairt dá gcuid buanna agus scileanna sainiúla féin, ar chúiseanna éagsúla. Ar an gcéad dul síos, cothaíonn sé féinfheasacht, tréith lárnach a ligeann do cheannairí a gcuid láidreachtaí a ghiaráil go straitéiseach agus a bheith aireach ar réimsí fáis. Ar an dara dul síos, tá an tuiscint seo ríthábhachtach don bharántúlacht – cuireann sé ar chumas ceannairí teacht ó áit fíor-fhéintuisceana, seachas a bheith ag déanamh aithris ar dhaoine eile. Téann an bharántúlacht seo i bhfeidhm ar fhoirne, ag cothú muiníne agus measa. Ina theannta sin, cuireann tuiscint ar a scileanna uathúil féin ar chumas ceannairí muinín agus teacht aniar a léiriú, ag spreagadh a bhfoirne chun a gcuid láidreachtaí féin a aithint agus a úsáid freisin. Go bunúsach, nuair a ?ghlacann FíOR cheannairí lena mbuanna féin agus nuair a aithníonn siad iad, ní hamháin go ndéanann siad a gcumas ceannaireachta a bharrfheabhsú, ach cruthaíonn siad ?timpeallacht freisin, ina spreagtar daoine eile chun a gcuid cumais féin a léiriú chomh maith.

Bí i do "Chatalaíoch Muiníne"

De réir mar a forbraímid ár gcumas FíOR cheannaireachta, ní hamháin gur rud tairbheach é tuiscint agus muinín a chothú; ach tá sé riachtanach?go ndéanfá é. Anseo thíos, tá trí ghníomh faoi leith, gur féidir leat a fheidhmiú chun dlús a chuir faoi forbairt do chuid muiníne féin. Spreagann na céimeanna seo tú, ní hamháin chun machnamh a dhéanamh ar do thuras ceannaireachta, ach freisin chun páirt ghníomhach a ghlacadh i gcleachtais a fheabhsaíonn do mhuinín, rud a chuireann ar do chumas a bheith i do cheannaire níos éifeachtaí agus níos spreagúla fós, i do réimsí gníomhaíochta féin.

1. Déan Machnamh agus Tabhair Aitheantas: Glac sos chun machnamh a dhéanamh ar do thuras ceannaireachta agus do láidreachtaí agus do réimsí fáis a aithint.
2. Tóg Céim Amháin Cinnte: Roghnaigh ceann amháin de na deich gcéim agus déan cinnte go dtugann tú faoi go gníomhach an mhí seo. Tagann athruithe suntasacha mar thoradh ar ghníomhaíochtaí beaga leanúnacha.
3. Spreag agus Comhroinn: Roinn do thuras agus do dhul chun cinn le do líonra teagmhálacha. Is féidir le do scéal daoine eile a spreagadh chun tabhairt faoina dturas muiníne féin.

?

Bí Cróga

Mar FíOR Cheannaire, tá tionchar ollmhór agat. Glac le do ról, cur le do chuid muiníne, agus tabhair deashampla do dhaoine eile. Tá do chuid buanna agus d’fhís uathúil féin ag teastáil sa saol. Tóg anáil dhomhain, bog ar aghaidh le muinín agus spreag daoine eile chun an rud céanna a dhéanamh. Le chéile, is féidir linn oidhreacht de cheannaireacht láidir, muiníneach agus éifeachtach a fhágáil inár ndiaidh.

Má bhí an t-alt seo úsáideach duit, fág teachtaireacht, roinn agus scaip é le do thoil, ar dhaoine eile a d'fhéadfadh tairbhe a bhaint as agus iad ar a dturas ceannaireachta féin. Ar aghaidh leat agus a bí i do FíOR Cheannaire!