The Competence-Confidence Loop: Why Both Matter
Finding Synergy Between Competence and Confidence: A Personal Leadership Journey
As I reflect on my leadership journey, one thing becomes increasingly clear: competence and confidence must work together to create success. It's not about being the smartest person in the room or having a full-proof game plan. Instead, it’s about mastering the dance between knowing what you're doing and believing you can do it. Striking that balance has transformed not just my career but how I show up for myself and others, and I’m excited to share my insights.
Let’s be real, there have been times when I’ve felt incredibly competent but lacked the confidence to put myself out there. Other times, I’ve stepped forward with all the confidence in the world, only to realize I didn’t quite have the competence to back it up. Both situations taught me the importance of creating a Competence-Confidence Loop that fuels long-term growth and leadership success. So, how do you achieve that balance? Let me walk you through what I've learned.
Competence and Confidence: The Perfect Partnership
Competence is your foundation; it’s the knowledge, skills, and expertise you bring to the table. Confidence, on the other hand, is the belief in your ability to leverage those skills effectively. Without competence, confidence can come across as arrogance. Without confidence, competence can look like insecurity. Together, they create a powerful synergy that propels you forward.
In one of my earlier leadership roles, I noticed that my competence often made me hesitant to take big risks. I knew I was capable, but I second-guessed my ability to rise to the occasion. Then I realized that my lack of confidence was holding me back from becoming the leader I aspired to be. Building confidence isn't just about faking it till you make it, it's about trusting in the competence you’ve already developed.
