Do you trust yourself?

Have you ever second guessed yourself?!

One of the most challenging parts of leadership is to trust ourselves as leaders.

I know from my own experience and that of my clients that we can doubt ourselves, question if we are good enough and even if we are up to it!

Oh my! I have noticed how I often I have not trusted myself……

How we do anything is how we do everything!

So….

If we are not trusting ourselves shows up in one area life…. it’s showing up in others….

From double checking I’ve locked the front door…..!

To questioning myself on so many occasions……

One was questioning whether I was up to the job in 2012 when I was in Afghanistan as head of health governance to ensure excellence in health care for 6000 military personnel serving there.?

I was humbled how so many put their complete trust in me as soon as I got there when I didn’t always trust myself that I was up to it.

Like most deployments, the hours were relentless - 14-hour days and no days off for the whole tour of 4 months at a stretch.? It was at a very intense time in Afghanistan when many soldiers were being killed or severely injured each day.

I know now that having a passion to make a difference along with the pressure of the workload is invaluable to banish self-doubt as no time other than to just get on with it.

I learnt then that trust is the cornerstone that underpins great relationships, fosters collaboration, and drives organisational success.

Now with my clients, I have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of self-trust in their leadership and the profound impact it has on their teams and colleagues.

From just ‘getting through the day’ they start to excel by trusting that they have the skills within them. This enables them to show up with impact and influence, passion and purpose in alignment with their truest self. They then make a difference for their teams and their own clients. No people pleasing required!

As one of my clients recently told me….

‘Now I feel I have choices for the 1st time?and feel calm!’

Yet, trusting ourselves can feel illusive at times.

?? I believe that self-trust is the foundation upon which all other forms of trust are built.

?? It is the unwavering belief in our abilities, decisions, and judgment.

?? It is the confidence to take risks, make tough calls, and stand by our convictions and inspire others to do the same.

?? It is the resilience to bounce forward from setbacks, learn from failures, and grow stronger in the face of adversity.

?? So, how can we as leaders cultivate self-trust?

Here are some strategies that have proven effective in my work with leaders:

1?? Embrace Vulnerability:

True self-trust requires vulnerability – the willingness to be open, honest, and authentic with ourselves and others.

It means acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, admitting when we don’t have all the answers, and seeking feedback and asking for help and support when needed.

2?? Cultivate Self-Awareness:

Self-trust begins with self-awareness – the ability to recognise our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, notice is negative and disempowering and change them to those that empower us. Then we can help our teams and clients do the same.

We can identify our strengths and areas for growth, make informed decisions to lead with integrity.

3?? Practice Self-Compassion:

Self-trust is not about being perfect or having all the answers. It is about being kind and compassionate towards ourselves, especially in times of difficulty when we might default to beating ourselves up.

We can learn from our mistakes, forgive ourselves, and move forward with resilience and determination.

4?? Set Boundaries:

Self-trust requires setting boundaries – the ability to say no, prioritise our well-being, and protect our time and energy. By setting boundaries, we can avoid burnout, maintain our focus and productivity, and lead with clarity and purpose.

5?? Seek Support:

Self-trust is not a solo endeavour. It requires seeking support from mentors, coaches, peers, and other trusted advisors. We can gain perspective, receive guidance.

6?? Gratitude is key:

Gratitude for the tiniest things that we might not even notice until we look for them. The power of gratitude for ourselves for showing up no matter what and….. being proud of every little step we take!

How have you learnt to trust yourself as a leader???

Love to hear!

Want to know more?

Join me for my weekly Leaders Unleashed session.

A different subject each week related to resilient, confident leadership with a great discussion and guess what? It’s my favourite number of FREE!!!

Now:

? Every Wednesday 1230-1315 UK time

TOMORROW: “How to trust yourself, so it comes naturally, and ask for help’’

Click here to register for the Zoom link directly into your inbox:

Have a great Tuesday!

Lizzy x

#resilience #confidence #leadership #values #trust?