How to be a confident leader

Scripture

“Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose.” - Proverbs 18:21 (MSG)

Thought

Words carry weight. Especially when they come from the mouth of a transformational leader. Do you fully realize the power of your words? Maybe you’re the head coach of your own program. Or a principal of your own building. Or the CEO of a successful business. Or just a common teammate like most of us.

Whatever role you possess. Your words matter. Chances are as you read this there are people in your circle that could really use an uplifting word. The more “important” your job title, the more your words would make a significant difference in the trajectory of someone’s day or week.

If I asked you to, you could probably recall one really painful thing someone said to you within the last decade. Something said to you or about you that you carry - some days better than others. That’s the power of words. They have a massive return on their investment. Sow hurtful words, and they are likely to hurt for a long time. Sow uplifting words, and they are likely to encourage for a long time.

They reap what we sow with our words.

As a transformational leader it’s all the more important to leverage our words. You don’t need a big speech. No need for a microphone. No need to dig your glass and gather all the attention. Just speak life.

Your capacity to lead is directly revealed in your ability to speak life into the people you lead.

We’re not really confident leaders if we find it uncomfortable to compliment someone on the job they are doing.

Small words = small leader.

Powerful words of encouragement = confident leader.

You can test how confident you are in leadership with one simple task.

Look someone directly in the eye and speak life into them

Only a confident leader can pull this off. Only a leader who is looking to give more than they receive is capable of this action.

Some leaders head to work looking to receive a compliment. A transformational leader heads to work looking to speak life.

Call to Action

Close this email on your phone or computer web browser. Open a note and list five people you are going to text, call or encourage in person today. Speak life.