Five signs you’re leading with confidence in 2022

Let’s face it, leadership in 2022 looks a lot different than in years gone-by. The modern world has transformed over the past 2 years. “The Great Resignation” wages on, marked by unprecedented numbers of people leaving their jobs, while tensions stemming from a global  pandemic linger. Leaders must now bring more to the table than just rules and new policies for team members to show up as their best selves. 

It is my belief leaders must inspire their teams to greatness, rather than push them. Introspection, self-assessment, and a fresh approach to leadership are key to winning in a world where uncertainty is at an all-time high. This is not the time to be an average leader; it is time to be a confident leader with character, whose presence is indispensable. Here are my top five signs you are a confident leader in 2022.

1. Care…you care. Great leaders look for the good in people. If you want to see the best from your employees, start showing them that you are confident in their ability to put their best foot forward. Show them you are on their team, rallying behind them straight to the finish line. 
2. Communication. A good leader knows how to communicate his or her vision effectively. You must have a clear, comprehensive view of the playing field before you can lead anyone onto it. Great leaders have foresight, the ability to forecast what is to come and the ability to effectively communicate that to the team. 
3. Courage. A confident leader has the courage to compel a team through words, stories, and illustrations. Some of the greatest leaders of all time were known for their command of words, their ability to touch the hearts and minds of the masses through the power of storytelling. One of the most revered leaders in history, Winston Churchill, was effective due to his ability to illustrate his vision to the British people during WWII. His tenacity and precision of language compelled people to work together on a common goal. Courageous leadership creates a sense of community.

   Confident leaders know how to harness their courage to communicate the passion behind their vision to their employees. In order for your team to take the company further than it has ever gone before, they must understand the vision with their ears and their hearts before it materializes into action.

4. Connection. Confident leaders connect with people. Connection is the most critical part to a confident leader because to be great, you must have the ability to influence. You cannot influence effectively without the element of connection. People respect, listen, and follow leaders with whom they feel connected. Put your people first; prioritize them.

   As the old adage goes, “People don’t care how much you know until you show them how much you care.” Lean into your people. Ask questions; genuinely engage with them; show interest in what interests them. When you do this, you create a culture of trust and authentic connection that makes people feel seen, heard, and understood, leading to increased productivity.

5. Commitment. A confident leader is committed to the vision and to the team. Commitment helps develop leaders and those who surround them. Committed leaders understand nothing happens until that commitment is made. It is the inertia which leads to increased momentum. 

Effective leaders must demonstrate commitment to the vision and the future of the company; they must demonstrate commitment to their team, their clients, their partners, etc. No one has ever been successful, ever gained personal growth and development, without this key element. Commitment is to a leader what water is to a flower.; it is vital to growth. Without it, dreams, visions, and plans die! Without commitment, you will not finish. Without commitment, you will not win.

Authored by Regina Bonds, CEO of The Confidence Coach.
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