Confidence | Stincelli Advisors

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

Confident Leadership

Confident leadership is not about knowing all the answers, it’s not about being perfect, and it’s definitely not about arrogance. Confidence is that quality that allows us to appreciate our own strengths, create win-win situations, and put our trust in others to be strong where we are weak. So, how can you become a confident leader?

Reflection

Confucius said, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest.” Reflection on your own abilities allows you to be real with yourself, to neither underestimate nor overestimate your capabilities. Know your competencies; if you know you are competent you will be confident. Reflect on your successes, but reflect even more on your failures; this is where your greatest lessons will come from. And, recognize the areas where others may have more to offer than you do.

Selflessness

Harry Frankfurt told us, “Recognizing truth requires selflessness. You have to leave yourself out of it so you can find out the way things are in themselves, not the way they look to you or how you feel about them or how you would like them to be.” Confident leaders are selfless and humble. They do not feel the need to belittle or undermine others. They look for ways they can use their abilities to support and lift those around them. Confident leaders listen more than they speak and welcome new ideas. Recognize the way things really are, be selfless, and build solid relationships and lasting connections.

Trust

Lao Tzu believed, “He who does not trust enough will not be trusted.” Confident leaders surround themselves with people who are smarter than them. They build trusting relationships with other competent, confident individuals. They trust their employees to design their own work; they delegate and do not micromanage. Confident leaders recognize the boundaries of their own expertise and trust others to fill in the gaps.

Recognition

Zig Ziglar explained, “Research indicates that employees have three prime needs: interesting work, recognition for doing a good job, and being let in on things that are going on in the company.” Confident leaders do not feel the need to be in the spotlight; they recognize the contributions of others and give credit where it is due. They recognize the importance of celebrating the small victories and let each individual know that they are valued.

Become a Confident Leader

When you become a confident leader you learn to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses, you become selfless, you trust in the abilities of others, and you recognize the contributions of others. You are not arrogant, you are encouraging and inspirational. You put your best foot forward while encouraging and trusting others to do the same.

Liz Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Liz holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Liz by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.

“Action is the foundational key to all success.” —Pablo Picasso

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

Why Take Action?

Success is about action! It’s not what you know, who you know, or how lucky you are. It’s about what you do with what you have, where you are, right now. Taking action is a conscious choice. No one has ever achieved success by accident; every successful person made the decision to take action. Don’t know where to start; start by developing a clear vision for your future, decide what you must do to get there, and then take action. Not only is it important for you to motivate and discipline yourself to take action, but also to inspire others to act. Taking action become easier once you have a clear vision, authentic engagement, and confidence.

Vision

The Dalai Lama said, “In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.” What is your vision? What action can you take, that if done repeatedly, will result in you realizing that vision? Can you inspire others to take action with you? Learn to see the opportunities, in every situation. How can you use them to achieve your vision? Get others on the bandwagon; encourage them to contribute their great ideas and strategic thinking to your vision and plan for achieving it. Get specific with your vision; see it, and then go for it.

Engagement

It is easier to take action if you are engaged. Jack Welch stated, “An organization’s ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage.” Jack Welch’s comment applies on an individual as well as an organizational level. Engage yourself and others in envisioning new ideas, innovating, developing a strategy, and collaborating. Inspire the passion in yourself and others that lights the fire of action. Create an authentic connection to you goals and then become fully engaged in taking action.

Confidence

Dale Carnegie believed, “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go get busy.” In order to take action, you must overcome your fear, complacency, and disengagement. This does not mean that you will not feel these things, only that you will not let them dictate your choice to take action. Taking action becomes easier once you develop the confidence you need to take risks and confront challenges head-on. Build your confidence; take action.

Taking Action

Joel Barker told us, “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” What is your vision? Can you see it? Now, how are you going to achieve it? Only through action can your dreams become real. Move yourself and others to take action. Start by creating a compelling, clear vision. Then light the fire of passion and engagement. Finally, grow your confidence. The one thing that separates those who achieve their vision from those who do not is action. Take action today!

Elizabeth Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Elizabeth holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.

Employee Advocate | Leadership Consultant | Author | Speaker