3 Confidence Myth Busters

"Confidence in leadership is not about being perfect or never experiencing doubt. It’s about trusting yourself, seeking support when needed, and leading with authenticity and integrity."

Many leaders (including myself at one time) believe you must exude confidence at all times, never showing doubt or vulnerability. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Here are three myth busters about confidence that can help you become a more confident, authentic leader.

Myth 1: Confident leaders never have doubts

One of the biggest myths is that confident leaders never have doubts. The truth is, everyone experiences moments of uncertainty, regardless of their leadership position. Confidence doesn’t mean the absence of doubt; it means having the courage to move forward despite those doubts.

Early in my career, I admired leaders who seemed unshakable. I assumed they never questioned their decisions or abilities. However, as I grew into leadership roles, I realized that doubt is a natural part of the process. When I was given a major project in the first 90 days of a new position, I was overwhelmed with self-doubt. Instead of letting it paralyze me, I sought advice from mentors and focused on my strengths. This experience taught me that acknowledging and confronting my doubts was a sign of strength, not weakness.

Pro Tip: Embrace your doubts and use them as a tool for growth. Seek feedback, stay open to learning, and remember that doubt is a natural part of leadership.

Myth 2: Confidence means never asking for help

No one makes it all on their own. A common myth is that confident leaders never ask for help because they’re supposed to have all the answers. In reality, true confidence involves recognizing when you need assistance and being willing to seek it.

I definitely used to believe that would make me appear incompetent. I thought people would look at me and think, “How do you not know thus?” During a particularly challenging phase in my career, I tried to handle everything on my own, which led to burnout. Eventually, I reached out to my manager and admitted I needed support. Not only did this alleviate my stress but it also resulted in great work-life balance as I received support from my boss and learned to delegate tasks to other members of my team. This experience underscored the importance of seeking help when needed and the strength it takes to do so.

Pro Tip: Build a network of supportive peers and mentors. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it—it’s a sign of wisdom, not weakness.

Myth 3: Confident leaders are always outspoken

Many people think that confident leaders are always the loudest voices in the room. However, confidence can also manifest as quiet strength and thoughtful reflection. Effective leaders know when to speak up and when to listen.

In meetings, I used to feel pressure to be the most vocal person to demonstrate my knowledge and confidence. Over time, I learned that some of the most impactful leaders are those who listen carefully and speak thoughtfully. By embracing a more reflective approach, I found that my contributions were more meaningful and respected.

Pro Tip: Cultivate the art of listening. Confidence isn’t about dominating conversations; it’s about making valuable contributions and knowing when to let others speak.

Here's the fact:

Confidence in leadership is not about being perfect or never experiencing doubt. It’s about seeking support when needed, cultivating the art of listening, and leading with authenticity and integrity.