CONFIDENCE vs HUMILITY – 1 of 5 Essential Leadership Tensions
Confidence or humility? It’s a leadership tightrope walk that many of us grapple with daily. We’re told to project certainty to inspire trust, to show that we know where we’re going. Yet, humility is equally crucial for growth and connection. How do you balance being confidently decisive and humbly receptive?
Confidence – Essential Leadership Tensions
I’ve found that the key lies in understanding that confidence isn’t about pretending to have all the answers; it’s about having the courage to seek them. It’s about being secure enough in your own abilities to admit when you’re wrong or when you need help. True confidence allows you to be vulnerable, to show your team that you’re human and that you’re learning alongside them.
Humility – Essential Leadership Tensions
Humility, on the other hand, isn’t about self-deprecation or downplaying your achievements. It’s about recognizing that you don’t operate in a vacuum, that your success is intertwined with the efforts of your team. It’s about being open to feedback, even when it’s critical, and using it to improve.
The best leaders I’ve seen are those who can confidently articulate their vision while also creating a safe space for their team to challenge it. They understand that confidence and humility aren’t mutually exclusive; they’re complementary. Confidence allows you to lead with conviction, while humility ensures that you’re always learning and growing.
Essential Leadership Tensions are at the core of great leadership and are never more important than in times of change.
