Let’s Talk About Leadership Confidence…And Why it’s Not What You Think
Let's talk about leadership confidence. You know, that quality that makes some people walk into a room and immediately command attention? The one that has others hanging on their every word? Some people call it executive presence, but I think 'leadership confidence' articulates it better.
It’s that elusive quality that seems to set leaders apart; that invisible “it factor” that makes people sit up and take notice. But what exactly is "it"? More importantly, what isn’t it? And why does it matter so much, especially for women navigating their way through the complexities of leadership?
Let’s break it down in a way that’s real, and (most importantly) actionable.
What Leadership Confidence Is
It's a blend of confidence, gravitas, and the ability to inspire trust and respect. It’s the calm, composed manner in which you handle yourself, especially under pressure. It’s how you communicate, how you connect with others, and how you carry yourself, all of which combine to create a powerful impression.
It isn’t faking it until you make it or adopting a persona that doesn’t chime with who you are. It’s showing up authentically and with intention. It’s being self-assured, but not arrogant. It’s taking up the space you deserve, owning your voice, and conducting your role in a way that feels natural and true to you.
Here’s what leadership confidence looks like in practice:
Confidence: Not the loud, overbearing kind, but the quiet, assured confidence that comes from knowing your worth and your capabilities. It’s the confidence to speak up in meetings, to share your ideas, and to advocate for yourself and others.
Gravitas: This is your ability to command attention and respect. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about having a presence that makes people stop and listen when you speak. It’s about being thoughtful in your responses and grounded in your actions. Say what you mean, and mean what you say.
Communication: Leadership confidence is also about effective communication. It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. It’s about clarity, conviction, and the ability to connect with your audience, whether you’re speaking to one person or a hundred.
What Leadership Confidence Isn’t
Now, let’s talk about what leadership confidence, or executive presence, isn’t, because this is where a lot of misconceptions arise. It isn't about:
Being Perfect: It’s not about never making mistakes or always having the right answer. In fact, part of having leadership confidence is owning up to your mistakes and learning from them. It’s about having a growth mindset, showing vulnerability when it’s appropriate and using it to build deeper connections.
Conforming to Stereotypes: Leadership confidence doesn’t mean fitting into a traditional mould of what a leader looks or sounds like. You don’t have to be a middle-aged man in a suit to have executive presence. It’s about bringing your unique self to the table - your experiences, your insights, your personality - and letting that shine.
Overpowering Others: True leadership confidence isn’t about dominating a conversation or overshadowing others. It’s empowering those around you, creating space for others to feel safe to contribute, and leading with empathy and understanding.
Why It Matters
Why is leadership confidence, or executive presence, so important, especially for women in leadership? I believe it can be a game-changer in your career. Here’s why:
Building Trust:
Leadership confidence helps you build trust with your colleagues, team members, and superiors. When you consistently show up with confidence, clarity, and composure, people are more likely to trust you with bigger responsibilities and leadership roles.
Influence: It gives you the ability to influence decisions, drive change, and inspire others. Whether you’re leading a team, presenting to stakeholders, or navigating complex negotiations, leadership confidence helps you to be heard, respected, and followed.
Navigating Transitions: As you move through different stages of your career, leadership confidence can help you transition more smoothly. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, returning to work after a break, or pivoting in a new direction, having presence can help you establish yourself quickly and effectively.
Developing Your Leadership Confidence
Small, consistent changes over time are more realistic than flipping a switch. Start by becoming more aware of how you show up in different situations. How do you carry yourself in meetings? How do you communicate with your team? How do you respond to stress or setbacks?
Begin to identify areas where you can show up more confidently:
Work on Your Self-Awareness: The foundation of leadership confidence is being aware of how you’re perceived. Pay attention to the signals you’re sending through your body language, tone of voice, and overall demeanour. Do you project calm and confidence, or do you come across as hesitant or flustered? Are you open and receptive to feedback, or defensive and closed off? By increasing your self-awareness, you can start making adjustments that strengthen your presence.
Master the Art of Communication: Leadership confidence is closely tied to how effectively you communicate. This doesn’t mean you need to be the most eloquent speaker in the room, but you should aim for clarity, brevity, and impact. Speak with conviction and purpose - people are more likely to listen when your words are thoughtful and to the point. Practice active listening as well - influential leaders know when to speak, but they also know when to listen.
Practice Composure Under Pressure: It’s easy to stay composed when things are going well, but true leadership confidence shows when the situation is challenging. Practice managing stress and remaining calm in difficult moments. People look to leaders for steadiness, especially in times of uncertainty, and maintaining composure helps you project the confidence needed to guide your team through. Think like a swan - calm and composed on the surface, and paddling furiously underneath!
Balance Confidence with Vulnerability: Confidence is essential, but it's also about about honesty and vulnerability - acknowledging when you don’t have all the answers, being open to feedback, and lifting others up around you. It’s the balance of having confidence in your strengths while also embracing vulnerability, which builds deeper, more authentic connections.
Focus on Relationship Building: Lastly, leadership confidence isn’t just commanding a room; it’s about building trust and connection with the people around you. Invest time in developing genuine relationships. Make people feel heard, seen, and valued. Leaders who combine influence with empathy and connection inspire more loyalty and engagement from their teams.
Leadership Confidence as a Superpower
This is your superpower. It’s the blend of self-assurance, composure, and authentic connection that allows you to lead in a way that’s true to who you are. The best part? It’s a quality you can actively develop and strengthen over time.
For women, leadership confidence is especially critical because it helps navigate the complexities of leadership while staying authentic in a world that often demands otherwise. Show up as you are, but with the clarity, confidence, and intention that makes people want to follow your lead. That’s where your power lies.
What I love most about working with women is watching them discover that leadership confidence isn't about changing who they are - rather, it's about embracing who they are and letting that shine through.
It isn't about being perfect. Some of the most impactful and inspirational leaders I worked with at CHANEL were those who could own their mistakes, show vulnerability when appropriate, and lead with empathy.
Remember: You don't need to transform overnight. Small, consistent changes over time create lasting impact.