Business Leadership 11: Confident, Optimistic, & Pillars of Strength

This continues our series describing leadership traits that will improve your small-business

Heroic leaders seem to belong to the past. Superman, Batman, and Green Arrow must seem flawed, unsure, and hesitant for today’s audiences. Business leaders, however, must prove confident, optimistic, and pillars of strength. Subordinates and employees need leaders to inspire them to follow. Today’s cult of personality seeks likeability, fast talk, and pats on the back as leadership. However, charisma will not suffice.

Confident

Francisco Dao wrote for Inc. Magazine that Without Confidence, There is No Leadership. He outlines the following ideas:

“Self-confidence is the fundamental basis from which leadership grows. Do you have it?”

• “Confidence is the one particular component of leadership that is so important, so necessary, that without it, leadership cannot exist.”
• “Self-confidence is the fundamental basis from which leadership grows.”
• “Leadership is about having the confidence to make decisions.”
• “Wrapping ourselves in a cocoon of safe decisions is the antithesis of bold leadership.”
• “Not only does confidence allow you to make the tough decisions that people expect from a strong leader but it's reassuring to your employees.”

Optimistic

Leading insight said in Leading With Optimism “Optimism or pessimism is not about the reality of the situation, it is conscious choice that has a huge impact on your ability to succeed.

Here are ten ways to become more optimistic and to energize your organization.

• Seek positive perspectives and evidence
• Practice possibility thinking
• Build a compelling vision that inspires
• Surround yourself with positive people
• Be aware of the shadow you cast in your organization
• Encourage open dialog
• Build resilience through wellness
• Build personal mastery
• Believe in the capabilities of your team or organization
• Stay focused and track accomplishments”

Pillars of Strength

Master Class Management outlines Five Key Points to Strong Leadership (thus a Great Manager)

• Develop trust and credibility
• Share the vision with absolute clarity
• Be there to help them succeed—Coaching, mentoring, communicating, and listening
• Make the decisions and be held accountable
• Keep it under control and headed in the right direction

Saturday we will explore how true leaders are empowering motivators for all around them