Self-concept strengthens dazzling leaders
Self-confidence and self-concept were on the agenda at a Leadership Forum I spoke at recently. Leaders in any of the business, private or public sectors can require not only substantial leadership skills but also a strong self-concept.
How can your self-confidence and self-concept impact on your being an effective business woman or successful leader? How could your self-concept possibly make any difference or play a critical role in your success? Surely the people you lead do not care about your self-concept?
One of the speakers at the conference was Brendan Grills, leader of the National Party in Western Australia. He said, "Self-confidence is the foundation stone of successful leadership." He certainly demonstrated a very clear, healthy self-concept as a leader. This was inspiring. Part of being a leader is the ability to inspire others. Self-confidence is an important part of this and for this you need a clear and stong self-concept.
When asked what his goals were for the future, Brendan Grills said, "To not stuff up". Now that is clear!
Since his speech, I've been thinking about the difference a clear and strong self-concept can make to those of us in leadership positions. Here are five ways I think it can make a difference. What do you think?
1. Having self-confidence and a strong self-concept can help a leader face difficult decisions with clarity. The issues aren't muddled by self-doubt or low self-esteem.
2. Self-confidence and a strong self-concept can help a leader find the courage to face difficult people issues. A lack of confidence may lead them to avoid them. Every business has people problems of some sort that need to be snuffed out quickly.
3. Self-confidence and a strong self-concept can help a business leader avoid being manipulated or intimidated. A leader who has low levels of self-confidence or an unclear self-concept may find it hard to resist manipulation and be more likely to be intimidated by aggressive or more confident people. There are always people in business who like to "throw their weight around".
4. Self-confidence and a strong self-concept can help a leader hear negative feedback without being destroyed by it or becoming defensive because of it. There is always negative feedback in any business: it's what you do with it that matters.
5. Self-confidence and a strong self-concept can help a leader to trust and adopt innovative and visionary ideas. A leader with low confidence may be more likely to play the safe options and be less willing to risk or value new ideas. This may result in the business failing to adapt to changing customer needs, new markets or economic situations.
Tell us in what ways self-confidence and your self-concept has helped you be a successful leader in your business or work environment.
Tell us in what ways a lack of confidence or an unclear self-concept impacts on your business or abilities as a leader.
To overcome a lack of confidence at work there is a Confident Woman CD set "Confidence for women at work".
Self concept 
Reader Comments (3)
"A good leader inspires others with confidence in him/her, a great leader inspires them with confidence in themselves."
Jackie Gunner.
"When it comes to leadership in the workplace, the primal spring of self confidence is an understanding of what you have accomplished and what you feel you can do next. This is not happy talk. Consider what has enabled you to achieve what you have achieved to date. When it comes to finding sources of accomplishment, you want to focus on the positives, your moments of triumph — those opportunities where you shone, helping yourself and your team achieve a goal."
Read more: http://blogs.hbr.org/baldoni/2009/07/to_lead_more_effectively.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a38:g26:r17:c0.000399:b34431652:z6
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