The 4Cs for success as a woman in leadership Part Two: Confidence

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Confidence is tricky. We all know that we need to back ourselves and project confidence to become a strong leader, but that’s far easier said than done – especially for women.

Finding the confidence to become a leader is a particular challenge for women, because we often second guess our instincts. We tell ourselves that we don't have enough knowledge or experience. We discount our value and everything we’ve achieved. Worst of all, we listen to that incessant inner critic who tells us what we have to say isn’t useful or important. You know the one.

That’s why confidence is the second pillar in the Mind Matrix Women + Leadership Program. We show you how to trust your instincts and silence your inner critic once and for all. Our goal is to make you feel confident and empowered, so nothing can hold you back.

I love this quote from Francisco Dao:

"Trying to teach leadership without first building confidence is like building a
house on a foundation of sand. It may have a nice coat of paint, but it is
ultimately shaky at best.”

Confidence is the foundation that will help you break through those barriers that are holding you back. In most situations it’s more important than skill, knowledge or even experience. Without confidence, it isn't easy to make decisions or guide those who depend on your direction. It’s an essential component of leadership, because people naturally follow leaders who are confident and authentic. Without confidence, your leadership will exist in title only.

So, how are you meant to harness your self-confidence?

It often develops over time, but there are shortcuts you can take to get there faster. We teach you these shortcuts in the Women + Leadership Program. For most people, the key is understanding what’s undermining your self-confidence.

As yourself these questions:

When presented with a situation or task outside of your comfort zone or skillset, do you tend to shy away and lose confidence?
Do you focus on your flaws instead of your strengths?
When you receive praise for something you worked hard on, do you feel like it’s undeserved?
Do you tie your lack of knowledge or understanding to your sense of worth?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, your lack of confidence is holding you back.

The Women + Leadership Program helps you identify your limiting thoughts and beliefs, as well as your root causes of self-sabotage. We help you develop new mental pathways to break through your existing thought patterns and strategies. You’ll learn to trust in your abilities, stop worrying about other people judging you, and shift your mindset to create space for your confidence to grow.

Find out more about how the Women + Leadership Program can help you feel powerful and confident every day. The next program commences on Friday 5th August.