Confidence is a trait that not every leader naturally possesses. Fortunately, it can be learned. As leaders rise and take on new positions, they encounter challenges daily. Sometimes, they are plunged into situations where they may feel out of their depths.
Wrong decisions can wreak havoc on one’s confidence as a leader and cast self-doubt on their ability to lead, but no one is an expert nor fully ready for every experience they’re thrown into. Here is how to be a confident leader in the technology sector.
1. Define a Definition of Leadership for You
Define the most effective version of the leader you want to be. Take inspiration from other leaders’ stories. Reflect on your past experiences with good and bad leadership. Define your leadership values and write a profile to build your skills.
After you have the type of persona, approach, and skills you want, move on to the next step.
2. Learn & Invest in Leadership Development
Even a naturally born leader should adopt a student mindset when learning leadership. Wherever your skills fit, take a leadership development course. You can start reading about leadership topics, pick up a few books at your local bookstore, and learn how others lead. With knowledge comes confidence.
3. Analyze Yours and Other Leadership Decisions
As you make decisions, evaluate them. Treat your days as a leader as a simulation where you constantly analyze how well your choices worked.
In hindsight, there are things you could have done differently. Use every day as a case study to learn from. As you improve over time, so will your confidence.
4. Don’t Over-Analyze – Just Make The Decision Already!
A confident leader doesn’t overthink it. They make decisions with their fingers. Start asking for forgiveness rather than permission, and be comfortable making decisions without having all the information you’d typically prefer to have. Be smart. You can learn from mistakes. People look to their leaders for decision-making.
5. Project Confidence When You Are On the Job
As a leader, you must project confidence at all times. If people see you struggling, fearful, or with emotions, positive or negative, that isn’t in control. It isn’t an indication of someone they can believe in. “Fake it till you make it” is the approach you want to adopt. Appear confident, even when you are not.
6. Talk to Other Leaders & Network with Your Peers
Find other leaders in your community. Ask them about their successes and mistakes. Network with leaders in different fields, and find a support group of peers to share your knowledge and challenges.
You should be able to meet leaders like you in leadership courses, seminars, or even online through social media groups.
7. Have a Professional Look & Learn About Confidence
While you learn how to fine-tune your leadership skills, invest time in having a professional appearance. Dress for the job and have a new suit ready to wear.
You should get in better shape, get a haircut, and make minor, aesthetic adjustments like that. This will enable you to fit the part of a confident leader better. Think of a ‘confident leader’ as a wardrobe and role you can take on whenever you need.
8. Understand Your Strengths and Target Your Weaknesses
Identify the common themes in your past and present leadership. Leaders have strengths and weaknesses. Strengths you can pivot to when needed and deficiencies can be avoided or built upon depending on the situation. By making up where you’re weak and understanding your strengths, you know what you need to work on to be strong.
9. Listen to Feedback & Be Self-Aware About Your Performance
A successful leader listens. Some leaders may be known for their grand speeches and sheer determination to accomplish their goals, but they only get that way with hearing. Commit to improvement. Listen to feedback from others, from those above and below you within your team. Ask for feedback from people whose opinions you value.
10. Help Others Become Successful & Support Your Team
Don’t get so caught up in leadership development that you forget leadership is about helping others achieve. Leaders work for their team and offer support. For example, talk with team members about what they want short-term and long-term. Learn how to help others build a track record of wins and successes.
11. Know That You Develop Confidence Through Experience
Most people believe the most effective way to develop confidence is through experience. While there are dozens of ways to build confidence as a leader, the experience will reinforce your instincts and approaches. Even if other strategies fail, keep trying. Confidence will come in time.