Think about a time in your career when you felt accomplished, like you really did something significant. Perhaps it was completing a huge project that, at the beginning, you weren't sure was even possible. Maybe it was delivering that big presentation...the one where you thought you might get sick before stepping to the front of the room or taking the stage. Can you picture it? That time you took on a challenge and managed to get it done!?
Those moments are the moments where growth happens. Sure, it was a bit scary for a bit, but the experience gave us the opportunity to learn new skills and really see how capable we are. These experiences develop and hone our skills and build confidence. And that is critical to career growth, innovation and resilience.
Now, do you remember who your leader was at the time? Great leaders often see the potential in a team member before the team member sees it themselves. Great leaders provide employees with opportunities to take on challenges, provide support as needed, and celebrate the accomplishment with them.
When employees feel confident, they’re more likely to take on new challenges, contribute meaningfully to the team, and advance in their careers. Confidence enables people to move beyond their comfort zones, pushing them to bring their best ideas forward, collaborate openly, and make impactful decisions. This doesn’t just benefit them personally; it strengthens the entire team and organization. For leaders, investing in building confidence is a long-term strategy that pays dividends.
The Power of Challenges: Lessons from Basic Training
Recently, I witnessed the impact of these types of challenging experiences from a different vantage point. My son recently completed Army Basic Training. Over the course of ten intense weeks, he faced tasks and challenges he’d never imagined he could accomplish. The military present these challenges very early on, aiming to reveal recruits' capabilities and build confidence quickly. By the end of the ten-week training, the transformation was nothing short of remarkable; he not only learned new skills but also gained a deep sense of self-assurance he hadn’t possessed before. He was now confident that he could accomplish more than he ever imagined.
As leaders, we should consider what meaningful challenges we can offer to our team members to help them uncover their own strengths, resilience, and potential.
Practical Steps for Leaders to Build Confidence in Their Team
Here are some actionable steps to help you guide your team towards confidence-building experiences:
Assign Stretch Projects: Look for tasks or projects slightly beyond their current skill level. Stretch assignments help them build new skills in a safe, supportive environment, allowing them to grow without the fear of failing alone.
Set Clear Goals and Expectations: When assigning new challenges, make sure your expectations are clear. Uncertainty can breed self-doubt, so ensure they know what success looks like and have a roadmap for how to get there.
Provide Constructive Feedback: Feedback is invaluable for growth. Be specific, balanced, and consistent. Highlight what they did well and where they can improve. This will give them tangible ways to improve and reinforce their sense of achievement.
Acknowledge Efforts and Progress: Confidence grows when people feel their work is valued. Recognize the effort they’re putting in, even if the outcomes aren’t perfect. By acknowledging their dedication, you reinforce that progress matters.
Encourage a Growth Mindset: Emphasize the value of learning from mistakes and viewing challenges as growth opportunities rather than obstacles. This perspective helps them understand that confidence is built one step at a time, not all at once.
Offer Your Support and Guidance: Let them know that you’re there to guide them. Being a resource for questions, advice, and feedback reassures them that they’re not facing challenges alone.
Communicate Your Belief in Their Potential
Now, here is the most important key to make this work. When you give an employee a challenging task, explain why you chose them specifically. Share the skills they currently possess that will enable them to be successful. Let them know you believe in their ability to rise to the occasion. Tell them that tackling this challenge will result in growth for them. Reenforce that you are committed to their success and will be there to support them. This clarity builds trust and motivates them to succeed... not just for themselves but for the team and organization.
Watch Them Rise
Confidence is built when people know they’re capable, valued, and supported. By deliberately creating growth opportunities, setting expectations, and providing meaningful feedback, you can help your team members reach their true potential.
When you invest time in guiding your team toward confidence, you’ll witness firsthand their growth—not only in skill but in self-assurance. And as each person rises to the challenge, you’ll find that your team, as a whole, becomes more resilient, innovative, and successful.
In the end, confidence isn’t just about facing a single challenge; it’s about building a foundation of courage and self-trust. Let’s be leaders who foster that foundation, one challenge at a time.
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