Leadership comes with its share of challenges, and feelings of insecurity can be a significant hurdle.  Now before you shrug this off because you’re a confident person today, give this blog a chance.  We’re all just one life event away from dealing with a little insecurity.  It happened to me this week.  You probably know I lead PBS Charlotte in addition to my consulting business.  Our new fiscal year kicked off in July and while revenue was solid for the first month, I got some bad news that two six figure contracts are ending, and viewership is down 25 percent from this time last year.  I’m usually peppy and positive but revenue challenges can send me sliding down the path of insecurity.

If you're grappling with insecurity, you're not alone, and I’ve got some actionable steps we can take to build confidence and lead effectively. 

1. Acknowledge Your Insecurities

The first step in overcoming insecurity is acknowledging it. Understanding that insecurity is a common experience can help normalize your feelings and make them easier to address. I get that it’s normal, but I don’t like it when the insecure feelings start to get the best of me.  Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor and author, emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in leadership. In her book, Daring Greatly, she writes, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” Accepting your insecurities allows you to address them head-on. 

2. Seek Feedback and Learn from It

Constructive feedback is essential for growth. Ask for feedback from your team, peers, and mentors to gain different perspectives on your leadership style. Harvard Business Review highlights the importance of feedback in leadership development. According to a study published in HBR, leaders who actively seek feedback are more effective and build stronger teams. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and take actionable steps to enhance your skills.

3. Invest in Continuous Learning

Insecurity often stems from a fear of inadequacy or a lack of knowledge. Combat this by committing to continuous learning. Enroll in leadership courses, attend workshops, hire a coach and read widely on leadership topics. Leadership expert Simon Sinek suggests leaders should be perpetual students. In his book, Leaders Eat Last, he notes, “The leaders who get the most out of their people are the leaders who care most about their people.” By investing in your development, you demonstrate a commitment to becoming a better leader for your team.

4. Build a Support Network

Surround yourself with supportive individuals who can offer guidance, encouragement, and honest feedback. This network can include mentors, coaches, peers, and trusted colleagues. According to a study by the Center for Creative Leadership, leaders who have strong support networks are more resilient and effective. These relationships provide a safe space to discuss your insecurities and seek advice on how to address them.  I’d be lost without my friendship dream team.

5. Focus on Your Strengths

While it’s important to address areas of improvement, it’s equally crucial to recognize and leverage your strengths. Gallup’s CliftonStrengths assessment helps leaders identify their top strengths and use them to enhance their leadership effectiveness. Strategic and relator are my top two.  When I dig into strategy by connecting to people I can work my way out of insecurity.  Reflect on your past successes and consider how you can apply your strengths to current challenges.

6.   Take Action

If you’ve been reading my blogs for a while you know I see action as my superpower.  I don’t like sitting still and being stagnant.  And that’s how I work through my insecurity.  I’m always trying new things.  Even when they don’t work, and that’s often the case, I feel a sense of empowerment because I know every failed attempt gets me one step closer to the solution.  Now that’s a mindset choice my friend.  We each make the choice to see things negatively or positively and when we choose progress as positivity, we gain momentum that helps us shatter our insecurity.  

7. Celebrate Achievements

Celebrating milestones can boost your confidence. I confess this isn’t easy for me because I seem to be wired toward focusing on the next goal/obstacle.  Leaders see farther than others and I always seem to see what else needs to be done, but our followers need us to celebrate their victories no matter how small.  This is something I continue to work on.  Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that recognizing progress can significantly enhance motivation and well-being. 

Remember, leadership is a journey of growth and development, and embracing your vulnerabilities is a vital part of that journey. Take these actionable steps to build your confidence and inspire your team with authentic, resilient leadership and you develop the necessary strategies to overcome insecurity.