If you want to be a good leader who can rouse the troops and take your business from strength to strength, then you really need to be confident in yourself and our abilities to lead. The thing is, lots of us have imposter syndrome – we think we are less capable than we are and this means that we are not at all confident about our abilities, even if those abilities really are within us.
Sucks right? But here’s the thing; it’s totally possible to not only be more confident, but to be a more confident leader who inspires confidence in others. Here’s how:
1. Impostor Syndrome? Everyone’s Got It
First things first: if you’re convinced everyone else in the room is smarter, more qualified, and better dressed than you, congrats—you’re officially human. Impostor syndrome is the sneaky little voice that whispers, “They’re all going to figure out you’re a fraud.” Newsflash: you’re not.
Instead of fighting it, learn to co-exist with it. Turn that voice into your personal trainer—when it says, “You’re not good enough,” respond with, “Watch me, Karen.” It’s not about eliminating doubt; it’s about dancing with it.
2. Get Comfortable with Discomfort
Here’s a tough truth: If you’re waiting to feel 100% ready before you tackle a leadership challenge, you’ll be waiting forever. Confidence doesn’t come before you take action—it’s a result of taking action. Think of it like learning to ride a bike. You didn’t wait until you “felt ready” to pedal; you just started wobbling forward until it clicked.
Take on challenges that make you slightly queasy. Lead that big presentation. Call that intimidating client. Every time you face the scary stuff, you’re telling your brain, “Look, I did that and survived.”
3. Master the Art of Communication (Even If You Hate Public Speaking)
Great leaders aren’t necessarily the loudest in the room, but they’re often the clearest communicators. If your go-to presentation style is “read the slides and hope no one asks questions,” it’s time for a glow-up.
Start by learning to tell better stories. People don’t remember data points—they remember narratives. Share a story that’s funny, personal, or even a little embarrassing (just don’t overshare). Storytelling makes you relatable, and relatability builds confidence.
Pro tip: Join a local Toastmasters group or seek out an online public speaking course. The first speech will be awkward, but by the third or fourth, you’ll be “that person” who can hold a room’s attention.
4. The Benefits of an ILM Coaching & Mentoring Qualification
If you’re serious about becoming a more confident leader, consider snagging an ILM Coaching & Mentoring Qualification. So many successful executive and high performance coaches have discovered The Benefits of an ILM Coaching & Mentoring Qualification, so you should conside it too. Not only will you gain the skills to coach and mentor your team (making you look like a rockstar leader), but you’ll also develop a deeper understanding of your own leadership style.
Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Self-Awareness: You’ll learn how to recognize your blind spots and play to your strengths.
- Empathy Skills: Great leaders aren’t dictators—they’re coaches. This qualification teaches you how to support others without “taking over.”
- Increased Confidence: Nothing boosts confidence like knowing you’ve got actual qualifications to back up your instincts.
In short, you’ll walk away feeling like you’re not just “faking it till you make it”—you’re actually making it.
5. Fail Fast, Fail Forward
Want to know a secret? The most successful leaders you admire have failed more times than they can count. If you’re playing it safe, you’re playing it small. Confidence grows when you’re willing to risk flopping and get back up anyway.
Here’s a fun challenge: Aim to “fail” at something every week. It could be pitching a wild idea at a meeting or volunteering for a project that’s way out of your comfort zone. The more you get used to “failure,” the less scary it becomes—and suddenly, you’re taking bigger swings with bigger rewards.
6. Surround Yourself with Confidence Catalysts
You’ve heard the phrase, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” right? Well, if your “Top 5” are cynical, risk-averse, and prone to complaining, guess what’s rubbing off on you?
Flip the script. Seek out people who are ambitious, supportive, and not afraid to call you out when you’re playing small. These “confidence catalysts” will push you to level up.
7. Know Your Stuff (Because Preparation = Confidence)
Here’s an unglamorous but wildly effective confidence hack: preparation. If you’ve ever walked into a meeting “winging it” and felt like you were drowning, you know the importance of doing your homework.
Research. Rehearse. Re-read. Walk into that presentation like you’ve studied for the “final boss battle” and know all the secret cheat codes. People assume confidence is some magical inner trait, but half the time, it’s just preparation in a trench coat.
8. Stop Comparing Yourself to “Perfect Leaders”
Social media loves to showcase “perfect” leaders with their color-coded calendars, 4 a.m. workouts, and hand-written thank-you notes. It’s a highlight reel, not reality. If you’re comparing yourself to these mythical creatures, you’re playing a game you can’t win.
Real leaders are messy. They’re learning on the fly. They’re sometimes “figuring it out” in real-time. Drop the comparison game and remember that the only person you’re competing with is yesterday’s version of yourself.
9. Practice Self-Compassion (Be Your Own Cheerleader)
Leadership isn’t a straight line to success—it’s a series of zigzags, loops, and the occasional faceplant. But here’s the deal: you don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Practice self-compassion by talking to yourself like you would a friend. Made a mistake? Cool. What did you learn? Move on. This simple mindset shift builds confidence over time and keeps you from spiraling into self-doubt every time something goes sideways.
10. Ask for Feedback (Even If It Stings)
Want to know the fastest way to grow as a leader? Feedback. And not just the “You’re doing great!” type. Real, constructive feedback. Ask your team, your boss, and your peers, “What’s one thing I could do better as a leader?” Sure, it’s a little scary, but the insights you’ll get are like pure gold for your development. Plus, knowing you’re actively improving builds confidence like nothing else.
11. Prioritize Mental Health (A Burnt-Out Leader Cannot Lead)
You can’t lead a team if you’re running on fumes. Prioritize your mental health by setting clear work-life boundaries, taking real breaks (not “checking emails while eating lunch” breaks), and talking to a coach, therapist, or mentor when things get heavy. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s smart leadership.
12. Build a “Brag File” (No, It’s Not Arrogant)
A “brag file” is a private folder where you keep positive feedback, notes of appreciation, successful project summaries, and other “I crushed it” moments. On days when you’re feeling unsure, open that file and remind yourself of all the wins you’ve racked up. It’s like your personal highlight reel—proof that you’re a force to be reckoned with.
13. Trust the Process (and Trust Yourself)
There’s no “arrival” point for confidence—it’s a process. You’ll have days where you’re on fire and days where you’re “just okay.” Both are fine. Trust that you’re constantly growing, learning, and becoming the kind of leader you’d be proud to follow, and one day you really will be that person, and it will be so worth it.
If you’re ready to go from “meh” manager to magnificent leader, remember: it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being brave, consistent, and open to learning. Take the leap, trust the process, and maybe keep working at it. Future You will be so proud.
