How to build confidence as a new leader
Congratulations!
You have just been promoted into a new leadership role. You are basking in all your glory and very excited about your new opportunity.
Then reality hits – I don’t have all the answers! How did I get here? I have recently been speaking to a number of newly minted young leaders on behalf of my clients who are taking the smart path by investing early in their leadership development. One of the topics we have been working to develop is building confidence within their leadership as they grow.
I can vividly recall how I experienced butterflies when I was transitioning from an individual producer into my first leadership role. It was such a great feeling to know that I was growing, but if I am being honest, I was nervous that I lacked the experience of leading anyone other than myself.
As my mentor, Dr. John Maxwell has taught me so well, I would like to be known as a “River Leader” by those who follow me. In short, this means that I pour what I have learned into building my own confidence and let it flow through you to pass along to someone who may need the message.
As leaders, it is our duty to share information which ultimately helps others around us to grow. Below are my 3 tips for building confidence in your leadership:
1) Become a Subject Matter Expert: What are you most interested growing in your leadership? If it is DEI, start listening to podcasts, read articles, ask questions. I wanted to become a SME of CliftonStrengths so that I could deliver valuable knowledge to leaders and teams who want to build their engagement around what they do well. As such, for the last five years, I have focused on mastering everything I can about coaching around CliftonStrengths. Whatever you want to dig into, now is the time to grab a shovel and uncover the knowledge you can add to your conversations with other leaders.
2) Take Inventory: When is the last time you conducted an inventory of those you are surrounded by in your life? It’s something that I do annually –just like cleaning out my closet! If we allow people into our lives who drag us down, that affects our well-being and ability be successful leaders. Is it time to take an inventory?
3) Scare Yourself: Yes, I am serious. When is the last time you did something for the first time that scared you? If you want to communicate better, perhaps join Toastmasters. Even if you are terrified of public speaking.
When we put ourselves in situations that we normally would run from, we grow, we learn, we realize how “bad-ass” we really are because we took a chance on our future to be better. We don’t have to be perfect, but we can be “FLAWSOME”.
You never know, we may just encourage someone else who may never have tried it either. What is your favorite tip? What would you add that maybe I can feature in my next blog to share your idea?
Send me an email and just remember... I’m rooting for your rise.
Kelly
