“The goal of most leaders is to get the people to think highly of them as a leader, but the goal of exceptional leaders is to get the people to think highly of themselves.”
Imagine you’re a soccer coach, and your team is gearing up for the big game.
You could bark orders and demand respect, but the real magic happens when you inspire your players to believe in themselves.
That’s what leadership should be about, especially when you’re steering a diverse team. It’s not about wielding power; it’s about empowering your team members to shine.
It’s about being a catalyst for confidence.
Confidence is like the secret sauce in a recipe that makes everything taste better.
When your team members believe in themselves, they bring their A-game to the table. Studies show that employees with high morale and confidence are 89% more likely to recommend their company as a good place to work.
In other words, when you boost your team’s confidence, you’re not just creating a better workplace; you’re building a place where everyone wants to be.
A Diverse Team Leader’s Role in Confidence-Building
As a leader, your words and actions have a profound impact on your team’s self-esteem. When you actively listen to their ideas and recognise their unique strengths, you’re showing them that you believe in them. This kind of support boosts their confidence and motivates them to perform at their best.
Confidence and performance are inextricably linked. When your team members feel good about themselves and their contributions, their performance soars.
A study by Gallup found that companies with engaged employees outperform their competitors by 147% in earnings per share. That’s the power of confidence-driven performance.
But What About Diversity?
When you have a diverse team, each member brings a unique flavour to the mix.
It’s your role as a leader to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. When people from diverse backgrounds see themselves as integral contributors, their confidence skyrockets. This, in turn, leads to a richer pool of ideas and better decision-making.
An inclusive leader knows that boosting confidence is not about giving empty compliments but about genuinely caring for their team members. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up and share their thoughts. When you achieve this, your diverse team will become a powerhouse of innovation and creativity.
Now, let’s circle back to that inspiring quote: “The goal of most leaders is to get the people to think highly of them as a leader, but the goal of exceptional leaders is to get the people to think highly of themselves”.
What does this mean for you as a leader of a diverse team?
Exceptional leaders understand that their success is intertwined with their team’s success. When you empower your team to think highly of themselves, you unlock their full potential.
Start Empowering Your Diverse Team Today
So, what’s your next move as a leader? How can you boost your diverse team’s confidence and performance?
Start by joining my upcoming 10-week course on inclusive leadership. In this course, you’ll learn the art of empowering your team members, regardless of their diverse backgrounds. You’ll discover the tangible benefits of building confidence and morale in your team and how it directly translates into increased efficiency and performance.
Don’t miss this opportunity to become an exceptional leader who doesn’t just command respect but inspires confidence in their diverse team members.
Together, we can create a workplace where everyone believes in themselves and each other, fostering an environment of success and growth.
Start this journey to unleash the full potential of your leadership abilities for the betterment of your diverse team.
