Leaders are often expected to be confident. Confidence establishes credibility, builds trust, and inspires others. Let’s face it: when there’s a difficult decision to make or a critical conversation to have, no one wants their leader to be unconfident.
At the same time, we often talk about humility as a critical trait for leadership. Humility leads to better listening and more empathy. It allows for better self-awareness and a growth mindset. Some perceive humility as a sign of weakness. However, humility is not about being weak; it’s about being open.
While these two qualities may seem contradictory, confidence and humility can coexist and are both essential qualities for effective leadership. Confidence helps leaders project a strong and decisive vision, while humility allows them to stay grounded, connect with their team members, and cultivate an atmosphere of respect. However, finding the right balance between confidence and humility can be challenging. Below are some thoughts on how a leader can balance confidence and humility.
1. Acknowledge your strengths and limitations.
A balanced leader knows that nobody is perfect. They understand their strengths and limitations and acknowledge that they don’t have all the answers. By seeking out opportunities to improve and learn from others, the leader demonstrates humility. Leaders who do this well are often described as “approachable.”
2. Cultivate a culture of transparency.
Encouraging open and honest feedback and demonstrating value for the opinions and perspectives of others helps to build trust more quickly. Encouraging open, honest communication among team members encourages collaboration and creates an environment where others feel safe sharing their thoughts.
3. Listen.
Listen fully and without distractions, acknowledging the value of what others are saying. Ask questions for clarification. Active listening demonstrates respect. It also helps a leader to understand diverse perspectives, thus improving the quality of decision-making.
4. Build self-awareness.
Leaders who focus on building self-awareness are often perceived as more empathetic and approachable. As they learn more about themselves, it increases their understanding of others, which leads to improved relationships and employee engagement. Leaders can build self-awareness through self-reflection, seeking feedback, and/or through assessments.
5. Prioritize continuous learning and development.
Leaders who continually seek learning opportunities, read widely, listen to podcasts, and attend professional development opportunities are better equipped to lead their team. Prioritizing continuous learning demonstrates humility while improving the leader’s abilities in their role.
In short, balancing confidence and humility creates a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. Being confident doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers or be perfect, and being humble doesn’t mean being weak. It’s about being open, vulnerable, and continuously learning.