The Confidence to Lead Authentically

Leadership, like every other skill, is something that every single one of us can learn and practice. Certainly, some people seem to take to leadership naturally, like how some of us take to software development, sales, finance, operations, marketing, and other broad skill sets. And some folks learn they don't really enjoy the role of 'leader', preferring to provide their skills to teams in other, less visible ways.

But it's really important right now that you understand that - as you read this article - you are already qualified to learn how to become an amazing leader.

I have met so many incredibly intelligent, passionate, insightful, and creative professionals throughout my career, who, for one reason or another, hold themselves back from taking a leadership role in their organization, their industry, or their friend/family network. I would like to argue the point that these professionals are indeed robbing the world of their thinking, their insights, and their leadership.

One of the greatest misconceptions about leadership is that it's about the leader.

It is not.

We all look to our leaders for guidance, inspiration, wisdom, and - especially in times of peril - confidence. And when great leaders deliver those emotions, their teams are appreciative. But leadership is about motivating and guiding the whole of the team, not just about making the leader feel important and heard.

It can be uncomfortable being the leader. The spotlight is on you in the role. But in many ways it's a lot like being the news anchor with the studio lights on you, or the singer on stage, or the speaker on the stage.

While you may be struggling with the spotlights, the audience is listening to you with their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences in mind. They aren't necessarily thinking about what the news anchor, singer or speaker are feeling in that moment. They are in their own mind, processing what the person on stage has to deliver.

People who are comfortable in the spotlight naturally gravitate towards leadership roles. Being seen by so many is something that can be difficult for those who aren't as comfortable in the spotlight, but does that make them worse leaders?

Absolutely not. In fact, some of the best leaders in history have been shy, introverted, and unsure of themselves before they came into their own.

Gathering The Confidence to Lead

So how does someone who has a sense they should be more of a leader in their organization actually begin to lead?

It starts relatively simply. Usually by being willing to speak up and share your insights that you've held back in group conversations / meetings.

Leadership is not really a position. It's a frame of mind. There are leaders in all levels of organizations. And in a leadership frame of mind, you are thinking about what is best for an organization, a project, a team, a task...You are thinking bigger than just yourself in a leadership mindset.

And like the person on the stage, if you are keen to develop your leadership skills, you'll need to develop your ability to withstand the spotlight.

It helps to think about all of the people who have stood on stage before you. It's unlikely the first time you step up to lead a conversation, lead a project, or volunteer a concept you'd typically hold back will involve a life-or-death situation.

It can feel that way - humans are unfortunately wired to see threats in the conference room the same way our ancestors saw threats on the savannah. But you'll quickly learn how to handle that flash of fight-or-flight emotion the more you put yourself under the spotlights.

Like every other skill you've learned over your career, you'll find that being a leader in small settings leads to comfort in leading in larger ones. It also helps to work with a leadership coach and getting 360-degree feedback from your superiors, peers, and subordinates as you grow in your career.

Leading Authentically

The most important advice I can give to an aspiring leader is to lead authentically. So what does this mean?

Communicate your vision clearly. Be yourself. Be honest. Be open. Be approachable. Being in a leadership does not make you some sort of untouchable person above the rest of the team. As a leader you are a part of the team. I cannot stress that statement enough so I'll say it again:

As I suggested in the beginning of this article, people who are attracted to spotlights are also attracted to leadership roles. They have an outsized expectation of their ability to lead, and when they fall short they find ways to blame everything and everyone around them.

Some of the best leaders are not necessarily attracted to the spotlight that being in a leadership role will place you in. If you fall into this camp, learning how to be comfortable under those lights is your real challenge. You already know how to lead; you're struggling with the spotlight.

But make no mistake that as a leader you are as much a member of the team as anyone else on the team.

Authentic leadership means you're willing to do whatever it takes to make the team successful, regardless of how visible or mundane the task may be. Leaders primarily help the team understand your vision, which is why i'm adamant that the most important skill of leaders is effective communication.

No good leader will ever feel completely comfortable in their role as a leader. Imposter syndrome goes all the way to the top, and that's okay. Because it means that you care deeply about being the best leader you can be. It means you are an authentic person who wants the team to succeed more than you want the spotlight.

And if that's you, you're already better than a lot of leaders who probably shouldn't be leading teams.