How to Build Confidence as a Thought Leader

There are many ingenious thoughts that are sadly never shared, due to the lack of confidence as a leader in expressing those ground-breaking ideas.

Repressing these pioneering views further robs others of the opportunity to expand their thinking on a given topic.

A thought leader is not only someone who is recognised as an authority in a specific field, but is someone who is turned to for guidance and expertise in that area. In other words, a thought leader is someone who leads others into new ways of thinking on a particular subject.

Is leadership possible however without confidence?

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Why is confidence important in leadership?

It is difficult to believe in someone who does not seem to believe in their own ideas. It is not possible to get a buy-in if one is not sure about themselves or their viewpoints. To lead is to inspire others to innovation and influence them into action.

The biggest giveaway here is to build your level of confidence as a leader. Confidence attracts others, confirming to them that you know what you are talking about. It gives them the much-needed assurance and encouragement to consider your words and go along with you.

Signs of confidence

Your level of confidence is seen by others, and sensed through the way you walk, talk and act. Carrying yourself with energy, speaking with passion, responding on point with clarity, and conducting yourself as an example showcases your conviction.

The courage to voice a thought that might be revolutionary, and to speak it with excitement and intensity, is the very display of a certitude that only invites further interest in what you have to say. You have touched on a prospectively novel idea. You seem convinced. We want to know what this might be. We are interested to learn more.

Confident leaders’ examples

Know your subject well 

Expertise leads to developing your confidence. Stay updated with trends and developments, identifying shifts and tendencies.

Regularly research and come up with your own concepts that enrich your own inclinations. This helps in building your confidence in your thoughts, inviting trust and credibility

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Take that which you can be true to 

Let your ideas be your own, so they are brought forth through your voice, your style and your persona. When it is your narrative, you are not trying to emulate anyone else.

You present yourself in the most authentic and unique way, and that is what engages others to pay attention to you, for there is only one you.

Don’t get thrown by the naysayers

Confident leaders are not thrown by the cynics. They focus on the essence and results of their ideas, of how they can be put into action, and how they can be presented.

Doubters and sceptics do not drown out their voices, neither does the possibility of rejection or dismissal.

They confidently voice their thoughts with illustration, illumination and enlightenment, excited by it even if no one else is. Full place of honour and focus is given to the idea itself, not on the question of the acceptance of it.