Climbing the Ladder of Self-Confidence

What qualities make a great credit union leader? 

Most often, we hear integrity, vision, strategic thinking, and clear communication. Some may even say empathy, compassion, integrity, charisma, delegation, and even empowerment. But, to ensure any of these are effective requires a high degree of self-confidence. 

Note well: There’s a clear difference between confidence and arrogance. Self-confidence is about a grounded awareness of both personal strengths and weaknesses while having faith in one’s capacity to lead and inspire others. 

Think of self-confidence like a well-built bridge. For you (or others) to trust and cross over that bridge, it needs stable and resilient support beams. That’s what self-confidence provides – a solid foundation for one’s capabilities to lead effectively. 

The Mindset Lens

The clarity of a camera lens affects the sharpness of an image. Similarly, the clarity of our mindset determines how accurate we perceive reality. Clarity allows us to see possibilities and solutions. When we allow things to be cloudy, it skews our perception.

• How do you approach tasks or projects that initially seem challenging?
• How do you adapt to changes in your credit union?
• How do you typically respond to constructive criticism or feedback?

The Belief Compass

Beliefs are a compass that guides us through uncharted waters. Our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world influence the directions we choose. Strong beliefs steer us forwards. Limiting beliefs act as a faulty compass, leading us off course.

• Are there any beliefs that you hold that could be limiting the potential of yourself, your staff, or your credit union as a whole?
• How do you view failure, and how does that impact your willingness to take risks?
• What values do you hold dear both personally and at the credit union?

Self-awareness and self-confidence are closely linked. To boost your self-confidence, you need to have an accurate and honest perception of yourself. It means recognizing emotional triggers, understanding reactions to situations, and being mindful of your emotions. To enhance interpersonal skills, it’s important to understand how your actions and behaviors impact others. 

Boosting self-confidence is a journey, not a destination. To grow, here are five tips you can start today:

1. Challenge negative self-talk. Realize you can’t change the past, and the future hasn’t happened yet. Live in the present.
2. Step outside your comfort zone. Take some risks. In time, you’ll become more capable and prepared for the unknown. This can help build character, too. 
3. Build a support system. Practice techniques like mediation and deep breathing to manage anxiety. Surround yourself with others, like a mentor, who can encourage you.
4. Track your progress. Keep a journal to reflect on your growth over time. A close friend can also give you an honest assessment.
5. Prioritize your health. Sleep, nutrition, and exercise impacts your mental wellbeing.