The impact of confidence for leadership
When I'm asked, the No. 1 challenge my clients face, I can, without hesitation, say it's confidence. Whether they're freshly minted in the workforce or a seasoned veteran who has seen success, confidence continues to be a challenge and opportunity for everyone to feel more comfortable as they continue to achieve success and fulfillment.
Countless hours of coaching individuals at all different stages in their lives, has shown me that a willingness and ability to step into your power as a leader is the number one indicator of success. Failing to do so is the number one cause of a lack of success. Confidence drives the ability to show up as a leader.
Confidence is often unevenly distributed in people's lives. Some might lack confidence overall and struggle at work and in their relationships. More often than not, they are highly successful in parts of their lives, but something is holding them back in others. There's likely a cause of that hesitancy, and by uncovering why and learning the tools to move forward with impact is life-changing.
Confidence supports and underlies everything we seek in life
Seven elements fundamental to your personal and professional growth include: Leadership, Passion, Connecting, Transitions, Advancement, Relationships, and Control. Looking at each of these through the lens of confidence allows you to identify how you can achieve more, and you will find success and fulfillment while having fun along the way!
Leadership is being the person others want to follow so they can achieve things they couldn't do on their own. Leadership also includes the ability to connect with others, being competent, and creating the culture that will help achieve your goals. These are the 4 C's of Leadership, and it all begins with confidence.
Passion is the combination of doing what you like to do plus doing what you are good at. Confidence helps you do the hard work of uncovering your likes and your strengths so you can uncover and embrace your passion.
Being able to connect with others brings about magical outcomes. If you are hesitant or a bully going into interactions, you are not going to connect or achieve the outcome you want. Confidence allows you to develop a connection based on trust.
Transitions are tough
Whether you initiated it or it was thrust upon you, you are served by being confident and honest about what happened, what you bring to the table, and how you want to show up as you transition into your next relationship or role.
Climbing the corporate ladder, building that start up, or advancement into the next phase of your career requires the confidence to know what it is you are all about, and having the competence to achieve those goals. It's not what you think others want you to achieve; it's you being clear about who you are.
Relationships are all around you
At work you navigate those relationships up (boss), down (direct reports), and to the side (peers).
Each dynamic requires the confidence to understand not only what's in it for you, but what's in it for them. Shared success is key and you have to get out of your own way.
When you lack control you cannot achieve what you want.
You give up control by not being clear and confident about what you want and why.
Being super aware of your own physical, mental, and emotional needs (and obstacles), helps to see where you would be served by taking back control.
Be aware of the way leadership shows up in your life and how you can become the leader you want to be. And it all begins with confidence.
• Tim Ressmeyer is founder of Ressmeyer Partners and Happy Hour Coach leadership and group coaching services. His book, "The Impact of Confidence: 7 Secrets of Success for the Human Side of Leadership" is available everywhere. tim@ressmeyerpartners.com.