Developing Confidence: A Core Soft Skill for Leaders and Teams

In today's fast-paced work environment, technical skills and experience are essential, but confidence is the often-overlooked key that allows individuals to drive meaningful change. Confidence training as a soft skill should be a priority for employees, managers, and even high-level executives. Without it, leaders may find themselves unable to make firm decisions, second-guessing their instincts, and struggling to inspire their teams.

This confidence gap can hinder leaders who were promoted due to tenure or educational credentials yet may not feel equipped to drive strategic initiatives. They may hesitate to lead change, lacking the internal assurance to take risks that could positively impact productivity and culture. As a result, innovation stalls, productivity flatlines, and team morale can suffer.

This is where a focus on confidence training is vital. It helps individuals confront self-doubt and transform negative self-talk into resilience and strength. Developing this skill not only empowers leaders to make bold choices but also encourages them to become role models for their teams, fostering a culture of assertiveness and growth.

As Brittany Packnett Cunningham shared in her TED Talk:??

"It would be our greatest shame to see our best ideas go unrealized and our brightest dreams go unreached all because we lacked the engine of confidence."

For me, it took mentors who reached deeper than the norm, who were bold enough to say, “Mel, you already have it in you; you have the permission to be what I know you can be.” It was like the shackles came off. In the last five years, transformation has occurred. I still have my moments when confidence falters, but now, I know I can reach within, seek guidance from my mentors, and embrace curiosity.

Asking questions like, “Why are we doing it this way?” or “How does this work?” opens doors. People will teach you, and with each answer, that confidence meter rises. I went from a shell of a person ten years ago to someone who believes boldly in who I am and where I am in my professional journey. Confidence isn’t just about knowing who we are—it’s about equipping ourselves, being curious, and sharing that confidence with others. Today, I am a stronger professional and a better human being for the journey from “I don’t know who I am” to “I know who I am.”

Brittany Packnett Cunningham Ted Talk here:

https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/ted-conferences_it-would-be-our-greatest-shame-to-see-our-activity-7255224495802576897-7XzR?utm_medium=ios_app&utm_source=social_share_video

Regards,

Mel