Why Confidence is Key to Becoming the Manager You Were Meant to Be

Why Confidence is Key to Becoming the Manager You Were Meant to Be

By Hayley Gillard (WISH Leadership Expert)

If you’re like many managers, you were probably promoted because of your technical skills and hard work. But when you found yourself in a leadership role, it may have felt like stepping into the unknown. The truth is, being an effective manager isn't just about knowing your job inside out. It’s about managing people, navigating challenges, and building trust with your team.

If you're struggling with confidence, you're not alone. Many managers feel overwhelmed, especially when juggling new responsibilities with old habits. You may find yourself wondering if you're up to the task, or if you're constantly falling short of expectations.

But here's the thing: confidence can be learned, and it’s absolutely key to being the kind of manager who inspires trust, drives performance, and nurtures a thriving team. So how can you build your confidence and become the leader you were meant to be?

1. Embrace the Learning Curve

No one is born with all the skills they need to manage a team effectively. Just like in any other profession, becoming a great manager takes time and ongoing learning. It’s easy to feel like you should have all the answers, but the reality is that learning to manage is a journey.

If you’re feeling unsure, it’s important to recognise that every step forward is progress. Instead of focusing on what you don’t know, celebrate the small wins – whether it’s navigating a difficult conversation or helping a team member through a challenge. Over time, those moments will add up, and your confidence will grow.

2. Shift Your Mindset from ‘I Have to Know It All’ to ‘I Can Learn’

Many accidental managers get stuck because they believe they must have all the answers. This can lead to a fear of making mistakes, which only increases stress and diminishes confidence. But the truth is, mistakes are part of growth. The best leaders learn from their setbacks and use them as stepping stones.

If you’re unsure of how to approach a situation, lean into curiosity instead of self-doubt. Ask questions, seek feedback, and surround yourself with people who can support your growth. The more you see learning as an opportunity, rather than a burden, the more confident you'll become in your abilities.

3. Build Psychological Safety for Yourself and Your Team

As a manager, you might feel pressure to always appear confident in front of your team. But true confidence doesn’t mean always having everything figured out. It’s about being open, honest, and creating a safe space where everyone, including yourself, can be vulnerable.

Building psychological safety is key to developing both your confidence and your team’s performance. When you admit when you don’t have all the answers or when you need support, you encourage your team to do the same. This leads to more openness, better communication, and a more engaged, high-performing team.

4. Understand Your Own Strengths (and Blind Spots)

To be confident in your leadership, it’s important to understand your own strengths and areas for growth. Take the time to reflect on your leadership style – what’s working well, and what could use some improvement?

You might also want to explore tools like personality profiling, which help you understand how your personality impacts your leadership style. By understanding your strengths and blind spots, you can make better decisions and engage with your team in ways that feel authentic to you.

5. Get Comfortable with Delegation

As an accidental manager, you may be used to doing things yourself. But managing a team means you can’t do everything alone. One of the most empowering ways to build your confidence is to trust your team and delegate tasks that play to their strengths.

Delegation isn’t just about offloading work – it’s about empowering your team and showing them that you trust them to succeed. This not only frees you up to focus on your leadership role but also boosts your team’s confidence and development.

6. Invest in Your Growth as a Manager

Finally, remember that confidence doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a muscle that you can strengthen with the right tools, support, and mindset. Consider investing in resources that help you develop your leadership skills – from books and podcasts to training programs and workshops.

One of the best ways to gain confidence as a manager is through structured learning, where you can take practical steps toward improving your skills and mindset. Learning alongside others who are going through the same challenges can be incredibly reassuring and empowering.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your role as a manager, take heart – you are not alone, and with the right support, you can overcome the self-doubt that may be holding you back. The journey to confident leadership starts with understanding that you’re allowed to grow, learn, and ask for help. Embrace the process, trust yourself, and watch both your confidence and your team thrive.

Want to dive deeper into these strategies and discover more practical ways to boost your confidence and leadership skills? Check out Manager School (Online), where we help managers like you turn uncertainty into strength.

WISH affiliate link: https://online.compassionateleaders.co.uk/products/219632-Manager-School-Online?ref=54399-WISH