Editorial
“You’ve got this!” is one of the most empowering phrases a person can hear, and it’s one of the most potent tools a leader has in their utility belt.
In the press of work, leaders can forget how influential a few simple words of encouragement can be. For employees, authentic praise does more than spark a quick glow of pleasure. Being appreciated fosters long-term confidence, increases engagement and contributes to an inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels empowered to do their best work. When individuals feel valued for their unique capabilities and contributions, they are more likely to develop the confidence required for further success. They are also more willing to “go the extra mile” for the leader and the team. As a senior business leader, cultivating confidence among my staff is one of my top priorities. It’s also a core strategy to build excellence throughout our organization.
I’ve found that boosting the confidence of team members requires a number of actions, including setting high expectations, encouraging ongoing learning and growth, communicating honestly and celebrating employees when they succeed.
Begin With Your Own Attitude
Before any leader can focus on another person’s confidence, they need to first check their own confidence. Effective leaders know their strengths, but they are also honest about their shortcomings, listen to other points of view and allow others to take the lead when appropriate. Leaders should also cultivate a growth mindset, focus on continuous learning and be willing to ask for support when they have challenges. Your behavior sets the tone and demonstrates your expectations for the team.
A focus on inclusion is also vital. Inclusive leaders ask each person what they need to succeed, bring together everyone’s best skills and create a path for the team to excel. They focus on achieving success through strong relationships with their employees and colleagues that are built on trust and respect.
Encourage Ongoing Growth
Supportive relationships begin with establishing an open and inclusive workplace culture where everyone's voice is heard and respected. Encouraging collaboration and fostering a sense of belonging enables individuals to learn from each other, hold each other accountable and support each other when necessary. Employees are empowered to take professional risks when they are confident that their colleagues and leaders will help them achieve their objectives.
An open and inclusive culture also supports continuous learning and professional development. Even if your organization doesn’t have a formal mentorship program, consider matching your employees with mentors who can serve as role models and facilitate professional growth. Each individual’s growing expertise can help boost team performance and efficiency.
Related Article: Why Employee Thriving Is a Better Measure of Engagement
Strive for Honest Communication
Leaders should also strive for transparent and open channels of communication, where individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. Regular check-ins, both one-on-one and teamwide, provide opportunities for collaboration, constructive feedback and professional development. Sharing stories, asking open-ended questions and actively listening during these conversations help leaders create safe spaces for meaningful dialogue. Each empathetic interaction will help your employees gain confidence sharing their honest opinions.
Set High Expectations and Offer Authentic Praise
Confidence doesn’t come from empty accolades or meaningless milestones that aren’t tied to business results. Leaders should have high expectations for their teams, because organizations want to win in the marketplace. Having high standards empowers my team at the Diversity Movement, because they know that I believe they can achieve great things.
Fostering confidence also requires more than just giving out verbal participation prizes or throwing out a general “Nice job, everyone!” It’s vital to describe exactly how each person has excelled, including how they have benefited the company. And always make sure your praise is public; call them out in a meeting or on the office Slack channel.
Related Article: How to Reset Performance Expectations for Your Team
Provide Support and Feedback
Often employees struggle with confidence because of prior experiences, so it’s essential for leaders to address challenges directly. Imposter syndrome, fear of failure and mistrust can undermine a leader’s efforts to foster a confident, high-functioning team. Encouraging risk-taking, celebrating failures as learning opportunities and providing constructive feedback help individuals overcome self-doubt and embrace growth.
Constructive feedback can be challenging for some people to receive, so it’s vital to align any critiques with team objectives, company milestones or professional goals. Some leaders assume employees know that their comments aren’t personal, which can lead to hurt feelings and misunderstandings. By taking time to say, “I’m giving you this feedback, so we can move forward with the project, and accomplish X, Y and Z,” leaders can maintain employee confidence and get the desired results for the project.
Share Your Success Stories
Leaders can be the catalyst for true confidence in their teams by publicly highlighting achievements whenever possible and taking time to savor large and small victories. When leaders call out individuals for their contributions and good work, they lift that person’s spirits in the moment and give others on the team an aspirational example.
Recently, The Diversity Movement wanted to develop a new professional development course, and I encouraged one of my team members to take on the project and lead it from start to finish. The employee was hesitant at first, admitting that she wasn’t sure she was ready for such a high-profile task. I, on the other hand, was sure she could do it and told her so. “You’re the expert. You’ve got this,” I said. Because she knew I expected high-level results, she worked even harder to create a standout product. Members of the leadership team and I provided feedback along the way, but she put in the time and energy to create a product that made our entire company proud.
Conference
Sep
16
HR Tech Conference Las Vegas 2025
Register
Conference
Oct
27
Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo Orlando 2025
Register
By boosting the confidence of individual team members, the whole organization benefits. When individuals feel confident, their productivity soars, collaboration flourishes and the organization as a whole benefits from a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Learn how you can join our contributor community.
