When it comes to portraying yourself as a confident leader, you’ve likely heard the saying, “fake it till you make it.” While that advice might work in the short term, you need genuine confidence to make the right decisions, motivate others around you, and be a strong leader. 67% of senior leaders cite gravitas (which incorporates confidence) as the most critical aspect of executive presence, according to research from Garfinkle Executive Coaching.
Employees and stakeholders are more likely to follow someone who appears confident when they speak and act. And yet, overall confidence in leadership is low, with only 40% of managers believing the people leading their companies have high-quality leadership skills, representing a 17% drop and the most significant decline in over a decade, according to research from the consulting firm DDI. So, it’s more important than ever for leaders to look and feel confident.
Confidence From The Outside In
We hear a lot about finding confidence from within, but it’s important to remember that your portrayal of confidence starts with your outward appearance. If you feel self-conscious about your appearance, you will appear unconfident when you first meet someone or stand in front of a room of strangers to deliver a speech or pitch.
That means it’s time to get comfortable with your body – all of it. Doing so will help you stand out from other leaders who might also be suffering from self-conscious thoughts. “Amidst the whirlwind of unrealistic expectations we set by comparing ourselves with figures we see on TV or online, finding comfort in our own skin is emerging as a silent act of rebellion,” says Paul Charette, Founder and CEO of Charette Cosmetics. “The journey to being comfortable with your appearance is important. When you feel good in your own skin, your inward self can shine through and exude confidence in the face of even the toughest decisions,” says Charette.
Confidence Through Growth
A confident leader recognizes they do not know everything, meaning they are inherently a lifelong learner. Rather than pretending to know things you haven’t learned or getting uncomfortable when faced with a new topic, embrace a growth mindset that believes in continuous improvement through engaging with new thoughts, ideas, and people.
“Good, fresh ideas can come from anywhere – competitors can emerge from neighboring industries, and a single technology product can reshape your business. In such a world, listening and thinking from a place of not knowing is a critical means of encouraging the discovery of original, unexpected, breakthrough ideas,” say Johanne Lavoie and Jens Ries from McKinsey and Company. It’s about shifting from a “know-it-all” to a “learn-it-all” stance, recognizing that every experience is a stepping stone to greater competence and subsequently, having confidence that you can find answers when you need them.
Pursue Confident Communication
Effective communication is both a tool and an outcome of confident leadership. It involves clarity in conveying ideas, active listening, and the ability to inspire and motivate. Confident leaders are skilled at assertive communication, expressing their needs and boundaries respectfully and clearly. Enhancing communication skills through practice and feedback can significantly increase a leader’s influence and self-assurance.
“Your presence is inextricably linked to how you communicate – not just through words, but through your non-verbal behavior as well. Everything you say and do sends a message,” explains Dina Denham Smith. This is another reason why feeling confident with your appearance is so important. “Feeling unconfident can be distracting when you are trying to communicate, getting in the way of the message you want to convey. It’s important to show up as your authentic self, starting with aligning your physical and psychological selves,” adds Charette.
Becoming a more confident leader is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires introspection, effort, and a willingness to evolve from the inside out. The journey is as much about influencing others positively as it is about personal growth. Confidence guides leaders through the complexities of human interaction, decision-making, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. In mastering internal and external confidence, leaders can help transform those around them, leaving an indelible mark on their teams and organizations and inspiring a legacy of confident, compassionate, and capable leadership.