Leaders are people we love to follow. They have a certain confidence that is appealing and contagious. Even when we consider the most terrifying, horrific leaders in history, we have to take into account that they had a certain confidence that inspired others to believe in them and their cause.
And, yet, so many managers I’ve worked with are more cynical victim than influential leader.
Would you follow somebody who says . . .
- Well, I don’t really want to do this but my boss is making me;
- I don’t like this company either but you gotta do what you gotta do;
- I live for Fridays;
- I only do this job for the paycheck?
I’ve heard these exact lines come out of the mouths of managers who then wonder why their team isn’t more inspired.
Can you imagine Martin Luther King, Jr. saying, “I had a dream but there’s no way it’s ever coming true, I mean look around . . .”
Or Helen Keller saying, “I’m never going to do or be anything because I can’t see, hear, or speak. This is not fair. I don’t have a chance!”
Leaders can’t be victims of their surroundings. Instead, they must:
- Believe in themselves.
- Show confidence through their word choice.
- Believe that they can make a difference.
- Know when they can’t and move on.
Every situation might not be a winner, but a leader is a winner in every situation.
If you don’t believe in your current company, then move on. A good leader knows when to wave goodbye.
If you don’t believe in your team, figure out why and do something about it.
And, if you don’t believe in your own abilities, either change that story or get ready for a lifetime of living for pay checks and Fridays.
Question for You!
Tell me about your favorite leader. How did they show their confidence?