Confidence Isn’t About Self-Confidence

In analyzing data from a science-based assessment of executive presence (the Bates ExPI™), we’ve concluded that there’s a distinct difference between self-confidence and “leadership confidence.”

Many leaders are plagued by an inner voice that questions their abilities, and our research suggests that others may not see when a leader’s self-confidence waivers. They see the behaviors the leader exhibits, and these behaviors can create the perception of a healthy level of confidence. When it comes to leading and motivating others to get things done, these perceptions are more relevant than the leader’s actual feelings of inner self-confidence.

– Suzanne Bates, Bates Communications