Leading with confidence involves important nuances like avoiding the opposite (leading from a place of fear) and learning how to handle criticism. It also involves knowing not only what traits to project but what behaviors to avoid. Here are 14 behaviors the self-assured self-select out of.
Do not be defensive
Defensiveness is another form of blame-dodging
- Confident people are open-minded about their mistakes and what they could have done better, thus avoiding the need to redirect anything to anyone
- They do not seek to deflect blame
They don’t spread negative energy
Negative energy is often a cover up
Don’t hide behind indecision
Indecision is often born from insecurity, a fear of making the wrong decision and looking bad.
Confident Leaders
They don’t shy from failure and setbacks
Feedback is a gift
Highly confident leaders seek it out
Negative self-talk
The self-assured don’t obsess over whether they’re good enough. They know they are.
Don’t feel they’re in competition with others
Focus on becoming better than you were yesterday
Take a stand
Authenticity trumps approval
- They want results, not reassurance
- If their stand invites dissent, so be it, they’ll stand out
- Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even if it means bringing attention to yourself
