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As John C. Maxwell states, leadership is about one life influencing another.
The question is whether your influence is positive or negative and having a high or a low impact.
From my research and personal experience, there is a quality you can exercise (and grow in) that can supercharge your positive influence on the lives of others.
That quality is confidence.
In fact, a review study found that in the 10 meta-reviews of research on effective leadership traits, self-confidence was the only trait that appeared in an overwhelming majority (80 percent) of the lists.
It is a must-have quality if you want to maximize your influence.
Thankfully, one’s confidence is like a muscle that can be developed and strengthened.
“The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born… that people either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.” – Warren Bennis (Leadership Expert)
When I talk about being a self-confident leader, I’m not talking about an ego-fueled “I’m always right, you’re an idiot if you don’t listen to me” type of confidence in self.
Instead, I am talking about men and women who have a quiet poise and self-assurance, free and secure from the need for self-promotion, having to be right or affirmed in every situation.
This quietly confident leader has amazing power to influence others positively. Here are five powerful benefits.
1. Confident leaders are admired and listened to more often by others.
Many research studies (e.g., Kilduff/Galinsky) have confirmed that people with greater confidence are more highly regarded.
One reason is that our brain uses a shortcut to quickly form an impression of a person or situation. The brain bias that comes into play here is called the confidence heuristic.
This bias tends to automatically give greater respect to people with confidence. It is almost as if it assumes that if someone believes in what they are saying, they are probably right.
I also think there is something else unconsciously going on. I believe we all secretly desire the ability to feel confident and certain, especially in the context of uncertainty. We crave certainty. We admire that quality of confidence—and those who exhibit it.
2. Confident leaders experience greater competence and success.
When tackling a skill-based task, a person with stronger self-confidence will more readily take on the challenge, and persist until they reach their goal.
In contrast, people lacking self-confidence will give up more quickly because of self-doubt.
As noted by Dr. Scott Kaufman, Scientific Director of The Imagination Institute at the University of Pennsylvania:
“A bulk of research shows that when people are put in situations where they are expected to fail, their performance does plummet. They turn into different people. Their head literally shuts down, and they end up confirming the expectations. When they’re expected to win, their performance shoots back up. Same person, difference expectations.”1
A confident leader will continue to grow personally because they aren’t deterred from taking on challenges and see them through to success. This will also inspire others to persist because they can see firsthand what success looks like.
3. Confident leaders bring out the best in others.
Leaders with a quiet, secure sense of confidence are less self-conscious and worried about what people think of them. As a result, they are able to focus more fully on others.
When you are not preoccupied with yourself, people relax around you and are even energized because you are focused outward and able to bring out the best in others. You are focused on helping the team move forward, not worried about who gets the credit.
In contrast, the ego-focused, insecure leader is so preoccupied with themselves that they offer very little to make others feel valued or help them reach their potential.
They are users of people, not investors in people.
“Insecure leaders use others to make themselves appear greater. Secure leaders invest in others to empower them to become greater themselves.” —Jeremy Caris
4. Confident leaders can take people beyond where they think they can go.
Human nature is inherently cautious. Researchers have noted what they call the status quo bias: people strongly prefer the safe and known option over the unknown choice.
Confident leaders, on the other hand, are not afraid to explore the unknown.
They are confident they can adapt, adjust and learn from success and especially failure. That tilts the scales of risk versus payoff, allowing them to see what is possible, not just the safe choices.
As a result, a confident leader can lead their team to places they normally wouldn’t go, instilling confidence in them that this uncertain option is attainable.
5. Confident leaders personally experience a fuller, richer life which inspires others.
Leaders with greater confidence are not afraid of new and challenging situations, to stretch and grow outside their comfort zone.
Research psychologists Yerkes and Dodson discovered that for you and me to operate at our highest capacity (where we feel fully alive), we need to be in a state of ‘relative’ or ‘optimal’ anxiety (where our stress levels are slightly higher than normal).
In other words, you are at your best just outside your comfort zone (where your senses are heightened and you feel more alive and alert).
People with a robust sense of quiet confidence are always growing, learning, trying (and at times failing) at new things—and enlarging their capacity to experience life.
Those who lack confidence pursue the safe, protected life and as a result live a small, shrunken existence within their comfort zone. They choose merely existing over the risk (and reward) of stretching and growing.
Photo source: istock
 | Joseph Lalonde is an award-winning leadership blogger and hosted the Answers From Leadership podcast. He desires to see 20-somethings step into their God-ordained roles as leaders. Previously, on the E3 staff and currently serving in the Catalyst youth ministry of Gateway Church, Joseph has mentored many students and has seen their lives changed through this teaching. His mission is to help equip leaders with the knowledge and information to boost their leadership to the next level. This article was first published on JMLalonde.com. Used with permission Learn More » |
This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s your invitation to discover how Christ-centered questions can transform the way you lead and live. Packed with real stories and timeless wisdom, it shows you how to grow your influence, deepen your faith, and lead with the same life-changing impact Jesus did.
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