Without confidence leadership does not exist. Trying to lead without having the confidence to lead is like building a house on a foundation of sand. Leadership will eventually come crumbling down. When all is said and done leadership is about having the confidence to make decisions. Fear in decision making will ultimately lead to failure in leadership. Confidence is contagious. If the leader is confident then those he or she leads will grow to have confidence in the leader.
Joshua in the Bible took over the reigns of leadership from Moses. At first he didn’t have confidence. Many times God had to encourage Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” Joshua lacked confidence for two reasons; the person he followed and the task that was given him. First, he followed the greatest leader in the Old Testament - Moses. He had big shoes to fill. He wasn’t sure he could lead as well as Moses. Secondly, God had given him the task of going in and taking “The Promised Land.” This land was occupied by seven other nations much larger and stronger than Israel. Joshua wasn’t sure he was up to the task. How did he ultimately gain the confidence to lead and complete the task? How can you create confidence?
1. Get rid of doubt: Doubt is the single greatest enemy of confidence. It limits your potential. It causes procrastination. Most people believe their doubts and doubt their beliefs. Why don't you believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts?
2. Forget past failures: Fear of failure paralyzes too many people. We all fail. Failing does not make one a failure. Failing to get up and move on is what makes one a failure.
3. Don’t compare yourself to others: When we start comparing ourselves to others we will always find some who are better than us and we can always find some who are not as good as us. You were born with a personality, gifts, and talents that make you uniquely you. Only you can lead like you. Start leading the way you were created to lead.
4. Start Leading: There comes a point in time where you have to make the move. As the old Nike slogan says, “Just Do It!” You will never gain confidence in leadership until you start leading.
