Quiet Confidence - The Leadership "It" factor that works for both Men & Women

Working in the Consumer Good (Product Sales) industry I have witnessed plenty of brash bravado being celebrated as a mark of confidence. Here's the thing, that ONLY works for men, and in small quantities. On women the same behavior is deemed unprofessional and uncultured. Over the years I've experimented with demonstrating different levels of boldness to exude the right mix of a confident leader. That right mix of confidence mojo I've discovered has a name: Quiet Confidence.

What is quiet confidence? To me, it's simply demonstration of real confidence. Real confidence doesn't always come in the form of a loud gregarious extrovert claiming bold behavior. It comes from as Joanne Painter describes an internal belief in your abilities, value and skills. Think Mr. Miyagi. He didn't need to boast about his skills, he knew he was good. If you've ever mastered a sport, an instrument or other skill this makes sense. You don't need to brag about your abilities, you know what you know and over time others discover your talent.

What are other signs of quiet confidence, that also double as great leadership skills? Here are a few more qualities:

1. Ability to admit when you are wrong. True confidence isn't just about sharing your opinion. It's also about having the emotional intelligence and grounding to accept and admit fault.
2. Willing to take risks... be the first at trying something new, and having the coping ability if things don't go as planned.
3. Belief in Self-worth. True confidence is when you know your value and don't need constant praise to validate you.
4. Speak up for wants and needs. Not being afraid to ask for what you want and need.

5. Praise /give credit to others. Think of the inverse of this - the people that take credit for someone else's work. They are often the weakest of leaders, and are desperately trying to prove themselves - even if it means stealing the credit for another's hard work. On the other hand, if you possess true confidence you are in a good place to help build others up via praise and showcasing their good work, especially to senior management.

6. Can ask for help. Willing to seek Mentorship, ask for guidance, ask for resources, and seek opportunities for self-improvement.

7. Active Listeners - It takes a confident person to be grounded in their own beliefs, but to also listen to others and maintain openness to their beliefs and opinions.