How to Lead with Confidence

Showing confidence while you lead is extremely important. I’ve found there are two types of leaders when it comes to how they express their confidence.

  1. A Confident Leader – This type of leader shows their confidence on the outside with their presence. It’s how they walk into a room, the tone and words they use, and the power
    they possess.
  2. A Leader with Confidence – This leader shows their confidence by their humility. They give power away by empowering others and they are okay not being the smartest person in the room. Their tone and words impact and inspire others.

Some might think this second type of leader is weak because they show their vulnerability. However, it’s just the opposite; it’s their healthy level of confidence that allows them the courage to show all of who they are. They don’t hide behind a confident outside. Others benefit from knowing and experiencing all of them.

Confidence only on the outside is arrogance. This type of leader can be seen as a pretender, which will lead followers to want to relocate themselves in search of different leadership.

Leading with Confidence

Here are a few tips to help you with becoming a leader with confidence:

  • Serve instead of rule.
  • Empower and give away decision making. The more your team has to come to you for answers, the more your ego shows itself.
  • Develop others. Teach and let go; Coach and improve. Set out to replace yourself.
  • Surround yourself with those who think different than you. Half the time your way is not the best way.
  • Shhhhh! Don’t talk so much. Let your team think and express their thoughts first.
  • Don’t dominate meetings. Let others run them while you sit back and listen for great ideas and teaching points. Don’t pounce every time you hear something you don’t like.
  • Condescending and belittling may make you feel powerful, but it alienates your people. You won’t get the best from your team because they won’t risk being chastised.

The most important ability that leaders with confidence bring is their ability to make those around them confident in their own abilities.

How do I know when I’ve found a leader who’s confident on the inside? Well, there is usually a crowd of talent following them not because of their position, but by choice.


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  • […] this week I wrote on the topic of confidence. It’s a powerful trait. Having confidence or not having it are both powerful conditions that can […]

  • Diane Brown says:

    Great post! A leader who makes those around them confident in their own abilities has figured out one of the hardest parts of leadership and will reap the benefits!

  • Laurie Brown says:

    Peter was always a leader with confidence I jumped in thinking I could be a leader………….I was a confident leader, which worked for a short time, but now realize it doesn’t work. Leading is the most challenging thing I undertaken! Luv you Run Baby Run!!!!

    • Linda Sasser says:

      Thanks for your comments Laurie! You’re right leading is not as easy as it looks. I like the way you have self assessed and became self aware! Don’t be so hard on yourself. Relax. Lead the people. Manager the systems.

      Run Baby Run – Luv you back!

  • Bret Simmons says:

    Linda, I really appreciate these thoughts. Am so glad your included humility – something most never associate with real power and confidence. Very well done. Keep up the good work.

    • Linda Sasser says:

      Thank you Bret for your comments. I agree with you! Humility is such a needed trait in more of our leaders. It’s so powerful yet people who hunger for power don’t see it as such.