As a woman manager or CEO, you already know that leadership is an essential part of success. But with so much information out there and constantly evolving expectations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What’s the best way to stay ahead of the curve? One key to unlocking your full potential—and exercising successful leadership—lies in embracing your confidence as a leader.
To help make this process easier, we’ll explore how tobuild confidence. And guess what – you already have all the confidence you need, queen (that’s right, straighten your crown), but let’s dive into the foundation you already have so that you can rule the boardroom and the business sector.
First – Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Knowing our strengths and weaknesses can be extremely helpful in personal growth. Taking the time to evaluate these unique aspects of ourselves can help build confidence in ourselves and build our courage to leave our comfort zones. Analyzing these traits helps build a better understanding of ourselves and encourages us to develop areas that need improvement as well as build upon our positives. Having an open and honest mindset about ourselves is one of the best ways to ensure we are continuously growing for the better.
Second – Develop a Plan to Improve on Any Areas You’re Lacking In
Did Oprah morph into a leader overnight? Did Sheryl Sandberg? Michelle Obama?
Becoming great leaders doesn’t happen overnight – it takes dedication and hard work. That’s why developing a plan to improve on any areas you’re lacking in is essential if you want to become a more confident leader. What does this plan include?
- Read books on leadership
- Watch YouTube Videos on leadership to see amazing women leaders in action
- Attend Leadership Events
- Network with other CEOs, business owners, and entrepreneurs
- Make SMART Goals to measure growth and improvement in areas of leadership
Taking an honest look at your skills, strengths and weaknesses can help you determine where you need to focus your efforts so that you can grow into a great leader. With a plan in hand, every area that needs attention becomes easier to break down, allowing for more constructive inputs from previous successes or failures along the way. With that knowledge in tow, great leaders are just one step closer!
Third – Set Reasonable Goals for Yourself, and Work Towards Achieving Them
Setting reasonable goals for yourself can be a powerful way to build confidence and help break you out of your comfort zone. Taking small steps and challenging yourself bit by bit can help build up your confidence levels, and once achieved, you’ll be empowered to take on more ambitious tasks. Remember – a little progress goes a long way, so don’t underestimate the value of diligently working on each of your goals!
Fourth – Take Initiative and Be Willing to Take Risks
Taking initiative and being willing to take risks is a great way to build confidence and get out of your comfort zone. (Mimi Personal Example of Taking a Risk.) By doing so, you are pushing yourself further than you’ve gone before, which in turn increases your confidence levels and makes you a stronger leader. Take the initiative to ask for that promotion or start up a project on your own – life only gets better from there! Have faith in yourself, and don’t be scared to take risks – it could lead to amazing opportunities and accomplishments.
Finally – Network With Other Leaders in Your Field
It’s great to network with other great leaders in your field; not only does it provide you with great ideas and a great support system, but it also energizes you! As a woman leader, having a great support system of confident leaders to go to if and when you need help or motivation is invaluable. From peer mentorship to group chats to seminars and conferences, there are so many great ways to connect with other successful women who can inspire and guide you in your career. Networking with these amazing leaders will always be worthwhile.
All in all, the ability to be an effective leader requires cultivation through intentional effort. Start by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses before developing a strategy for improvement. You should continuously set goals that are realistic and achievable while being willing to take risks and learn from mistakes. Don’t forget to nurture important relationships with mentors who can offer guidance and help you grow as an individual. Finally, always stay on top of your mental and physical health – it will benefit not only your role as a leader but also in all other spheres of life. To summarize – Recognize, Improve, Strive, Risk-taking & Net Worth – these core values define true leadership. How have you improved yourself based on these tips? Comment below!