Survey Says …
Can leadership abilities, traits and styles really be revealed by answering a few questionnaires? I was curious to find out just how close the results aligned with my own self conception.
The style questionnaire revealed I perform almost equally at the top of the high range for tasks and relationships. I was a little surprised that my results were equally spread out in Leadership Theory and Practice. I scored 25 in Technical Skill, 27 in Human Skill and 26.5 in Conceptual Skill. 
I wanted to make sure that the responses to the Leadership Trait Questionnaire really were an honest reflection so I asked some colleagues from my former school team, my current school team and my significant other to fill them out. The results were consistent, all 5’s except for 3’s and 4’s in self confidence and self-assurance. It was confirming to know that others view myself and my leadership traits the same way I do. I recognize that I need to work on these two areas in order to be a better leader.
I know that I can be overly sensitive and take things personally at times and would really like to build my self-confidence. What are some strategies that you have found effective for not letting negativity (from situations or within your organization) affect your self-confidence?
Lara,
You pose some interesting questions about how to have the self-confidence you desire as a leader.
There are some great thought leaders in this area who I admire. One is Brene Brown, whose recent book, Braving the Wilderness (2017) explores the concepts of being known by others and accepted (in contrast to simply “fitting in”). Brown argues that the importance of being known to ourselves is also a critical step in “showing up and being brave.”
I also admire women’s career coach Kathy Caprino, who has a great new podcast called “Finding Brave.”
I encourage you to explore these and other resources. Developing and sustaining self confidence are ongoing challenges for even the most seasoned leaders.
— Leadership Prof
Hello Leadership Prof,
Thank you so much for the resource suggestions! I love Brene Brown and have devoured all of her books and TED talks. I shared the exact part you talk about with my class last year, about the difference between fitting in and being accepted, but really need to take her advice to heart myself. I will definitely check out Kathy Caprino and her podcast. Thank you again!
Warmly,
Lara
Hello Leadership Prof,
Thank you so much for the resource suggestions! I love Brene Brown and have devoured all of her books and TED talks. I shared the exact part you talk about with my class last year, about the difference between fitting in and being accepted, but really need to take her advice to heart myself. I will definitely check out Kathy Caprino and her podcast. Thank you again!
Warmly,
Lara