You, Too, Can Lead with Confidence

One of the most notable characteristics that a woman in leadership can develop is self-confidence. Without it, it is impossible to lead others. People will follow you blindly only when they trust in your leadership. Emily Dean emphasizes the vital importance of leaders who “depend on God for confidence.” It begins with trusting the Lord to meet your needs, be it in ministry opportunities, finances, or encouragement and support. “Godly confidence arises from relying on the Lord to provide for you. A leader is to place confidence in him even when life is not going well, Psalm 112:7.”[1]

In developing self-confidence, Anna Morgan states, “Every woman in leadership should be honest about their mandate and calling. This means a woman who is called to lead others must become comfortable with one’s natural leadership style and strengths.”[2] Putting aside every negative experience, because that experience comes as a setback to derail you from excelling in a position of authority. Emily Dean asserts that confidence is having “full trust or belief in the powers, or trustworthiness, or reliability of a person, and it is a belief in oneself and one’s powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance or assurance.”[3] To develop self-confidence, you must change the way you think. Romans 12:2 says one is to ‘be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ “A confident person’s attitude is steadfast, fearless, and strong in the Lord. You become a can-do person because you understand that it is the Christ in you.”[4] When you are confident, every area of your life becomes better. It is a choice to believe God’s Word. Never underestimate your ability to lead as a woman, because there are no limits or obstructions that can block you when God is your confidence. “Any limitations placed upon a woman in leadership due to negative encounters, or implications about the lack of skill set to accomplish a task, which causes one to struggle with perfectionism and hold back from attempting things until success is assured.”[5] “A lack of self-confidence stems from insecurity, which is associated with imposter syndrome, a feeling of being underqualified, lacking proper resources, or gifts.”[6] As you become more aware of your natural leadership styles and gifts, this will build your confidence. Morgan states, “Women should start by saying ‘yes’ to leadership opportunities.”[7] In doing so, one will improve your self-confidence.

Here are some quick points to help you develop your confidence as a leader: 1. Start by learning all you can about leadership. Seek a mentor to help you through the developmental stages of leadership. 2. Network and collaborate with other leaders. Working with others allows you to experience rapid growth. 3. Learn to be grateful for everything. As a leader, you are to be confident and project a confident demeanor.”[8] 4. Develop emotional intelligence by recognizing, understanding, and using your emotions effectively towards yourself and others. Before you can manage others, you must know how to manage yourself. So, do not be afraid to ask for help. 5. Develop a sense of humor. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Learn to laugh and do not take everything to heart. 6. Finally, just like your morning prayer routine, create a daily self-confidence routine. Focus on your strengths and reward yourself for what you do right. Your leadership is important to God.

Bibliography

Dean, Emily W. Women Leading Well: Stewarding the Gift of Ministry Leadership. Brentwood: Baker Academic, 2023.

Meyers, Joyce. Habits of a Godly Woman. New York, NY: Hachette Book Group, 2020.

Morgan, Anna R. Growing Women in Ministry: Seven Aspects of Leadership Development. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2024.

Sanchez, Karina G. 21 Powerful Strategies for Coaching High Performance Teams, Earning Respect & Influencing Up: Leadership for the New Female Manager. North Haven, CT: Virago Publishing, 2022.

[1] Emily W. Dean, Women Leading Well: Stewarding the Gift of Ministry Leadership (Brentwood, TN: B&H Academics, 2023), 71.

[2] Anna R. Morgan, Growing Women in Ministry: Seven Aspects of Leadership Development (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2024), 60-1.

[3] Ibid. 72.

[4] Joyce Meyers, Habits of a Godly Woman (New York, NY: Hachette Book Group, 2020), 156.

[5]Anna R. Morgan, Growing Women in Ministry: Seven Aspects of Leadership Development (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2024), 62-63.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Karina Sanchez, 21 Powerful Strategies for Coaching High Performance Teams, Earning Respect & Influence Up: Leadership For the New Female Manager (Hachette, UK: Virago Publishing, 2022), 15.