What makes a leader great?

Do you back yourself? Is this one of the key factors to being a great leader?

I was holding a coaching session with an incredible leader earlier in the week. If you’re lucky enough to know, I am talking about the sort of leader that really inspires and uplifts the team around them. They radiate warmth, competence and a genuine desire and care for both their team and performance.

As we peeled back some of the layers, I was trying to pin point what it is that makes this leader so exceptional and it became really clear to me, they back themselves. They are so sure of who they are as an individual and have a healthy level of confidence in both their capability and approach which forms the basis of their entire leadership approach.

1. They aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something.
2. They seek feedback from those around them, confidently leveraging the strengths of their team members to meet goals.
3. They are authentic and people pick up on this.
4. They are not afraid to have difficult conversations.
5. They hold themselves and their team accountable.
6. They speak up in meetings, sharing ideas and insights, but also seeking the feedback of others.

The more confident you are within yourself, the more authentically you show up. Authentic leaders have the capability to build trust and ultimately high performing and engaged teams.

Is your confidence holding you back?