Confidence Over Correctness: A Leadership Lesson from the Military

During my early years in the US Army, I faced a pivotal moment that profoundly shaped my understanding of leadership and confidence. This experience, which unfolded during my preparation for the E5 promotion board, offered me a lesson that has remained invaluable throughout my career.

Dressed in my finest uniform, I remember meeting with my chain of command, a bundle of nerves, bracing myself for the rigorous questioning that lay ahead. Soldiers are expected to know an array of details, some of which can seem trivial, but all of which are part of our fundamental training and knowledge.

The advice from my First Sergeant was simple yet powerful: "Answer with confidence, even if you're not sure." I took this to heart and studied diligently, preparing for every possible question. However, as fate would have it, during the actual board, I was asked a question about the major assemblies of a machine gun – it could have been the M249 SAW, the M60, or the M2; the exact model escapes my memory now.

Seated at attention, I responded instantly and confidently to the question. The answer I gave, I knew, was blatantly incorrect. Yet, in that moment, my confidence overshadowed my uncertainty. The First Sergeant from another company, who had posed the question, probed, "Are you sure?" Without faltering, I reaffirmed my response.

After the review, my First Sergeant noted my performance, specifically pointing out the error. I braced myself for criticism, but instead, he chuckled, appreciating the confidence in my answer, which had even led the other First Sergeant to doubt his own question.

This incident taught me two critical lessons. First, the importance of confidence – sometimes, it's not about having all the right answers, but about how you handle the questions. Second, the art of mentorship and correction. When you see someone err, especially in a public setting, approach them with care and respect, offering guidance rather than reprimand.

In our professional lives, these lessons are invaluable. Displaying confidence can often open doors and create opportunities, even when we don't have all the answers. And as leaders or mentors, how we correct and guide others can leave a lasting impact, fostering a culture of respect and continuous learning.

To this day, I carry these lessons with me. They remind me that our growth, both as professionals and as leaders, often lies in the nuances of how we present ourselves and how we treat others.