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5 Ways Executive Coaching Supports Confidence Building

How often do you look at a colleague, someone within your leadership team, or someone you admire and think “I wish I was as confident as they are...”?  


Whether we’ve been in our roles for weeks, months, or even years, it’s normal to experience thoughts like this. Sometimes we might feel like an imposter, and other times we might think that to be successful, we have to be or at least seem naturally confident. 


At times, we might even tell ourselves that we aren’t the right ‘fit’ or the right person for a role or even a promotion as we aren’t as confident as our peers.  


When we feel like this, it’s easy to feel as though we’re going at it alone. We don’t always think that other people feel the same, especially if they appear confident. 


But this isn’t true.  


You might be shocked to learn this, but just like many leaders experience imposter syndrome, many struggle with their confidence in their careers.  


In fact, research published by MYNDUP shows that: 


  • 79% of women lack confidence in the workplace 

  • 20% of men view themselves as not confident 

  • 59% of men think their lack of confidence hinders their progress  


At The Leadership Coaches, we often work with clients looking for support when it comes to developing their confidence.  


In this instance, we recommend executive coaching. But what are the benefits and how can coaching support confidence development? 


Find out here. 


Why Is Confidence in the Workplace Important? 

Confidence in the workplace serves as a cornerstone for individual and organisational success. But why is it important? 


Firstly, in organisations that create psychological safety, confident employees are more inclined to take initiative and assert themselves, leading to greater innovation and problem-solving.  

Confident female leader at work

But that’s not all. Below, we share other reasons why confidence in the workplace is important. 


  • Confidence fosters effective communication, enabling individuals to articulate ideas clearly and engage in constructive dialogue.  

  • Confident employees tend to exhibit resilience in the face of challenges, bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining focus on objectives.  

  • Confidence cultivates trust amongst team members and leaders, fostering a positive work environment conducive to collaboration and growth.  

  • A confident workforce enhances productivity and performance but also promotes a culture of empowerment and achievement. 


What Happens When We Lack Confidence in the Workplace? 

As shared above, many people experience a lack of confidence and self-esteem both in the workplace and in other areas of life.  


Sadly, a lack of confidence can hinder us. It can stop us from applying for a new job, taking a promotion, or speaking up in the workplace. 


When we lack confidence, we may also: 


  • Be reluctant to take on new challenges or hesitate to make decisions. 

  • Experience higher levels of stress and anxiety, which can impact our overall health and well-being. 

  • Witness poor communication and collaboration within teams, leading to misunderstandings and inefficiencies. 

  • Have imposter syndrome, leaving us doubting our abilities and feeling like frauds in our roles. 

  • Notice decreased morale amongst teams. 

  • Find it difficult to build professional relationships and networks. 


How Can Executive Coaching Support Confidence Building? 

While there are moments when our confidence in our skills and abilities wavers, it's important to remember that these feelings are not permanent.  


With the guidance of an executive coach, it becomes evident that confidence is not fixed; it can be nurtured and strengthened. With their support, it’s possible to unlock the potential to cultivate a lasting sense of assurance in ourselves and our capabilities, paving the way for personal and professional growth. 


Below, we share 5 ways executive coaching can support confidence building. 


1. Executive Coaches Can Help Identify Strengths 

Executive coaches assist individuals in identifying and harnessing their unique strengths and talents.  

 

By recognising what they excel at, individuals can cultivate confidence in their abilities.  

 

For instance, a manager struggling with self-doubt may discover through coaching sessions that they possess exceptional problem-solving skills. By focusing on these strengths, they develop confidence to tackle challenges effectively. 

 

2. Goal Setting

Coaches help individuals set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with their aspirations. 

Goal setting with executive coaching

For example, a professional seeking career advancement may work with an executive coach to define clear objectives, such as completing a leadership training program or taking on a new project.  

 

Having a structured plan in place instils confidence by providing a clear path forward and milestones to strive for. 

 

3. Develop Self-awareness 

Executive coaching fosters self-awareness through introspective exercises, assessments, and feedback.  

 

By understanding their strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations, individuals can cultivate confidence rooted in self-understanding.  

 

For instance, a team leader undergoing executive coaching may gain insights into their communication style and its impact on team dynamics.  

 

This increased self-awareness allows them to adapt their approach and communicate more effectively, boosting their confidence in leading their team. 

 

4. Overcome Limiting Beliefs 

Coaches work with individuals to challenge and overcome limiting beliefs and self-doubt that hinder confidence.  

 

Through techniques like cognitive reframing and visualisation, individuals learn to replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations.  

 

For example, an aspiring COO may work with a coach to address their fear of failure. By reframing failure as an opportunity for growth and learning, they develop resilience and confidence to pursue their aspirations with conviction. 

 

5. Practise Skills 

Executive coaching provides a supportive environment for individuals to practice and refine essential skills crucial for success.  

 

Through role-playing, simulations, and real-world scenarios, individuals can develop competence and confidence in their abilities.  

Presentation taking place

For example, by practising communication techniques and receiving feedback from a coach, many gain confidence in their ability to navigate challenging conversations.  


While we focus on the above points in this blog, it should be noted that executive coaching can also support confidence building by: 


  • Building Resilience: Coaches help individuals develop resilience by reframing setbacks as learning opportunities, empowering them to bounce back stronger and with increased confidence. 

  • Enhancing Self-Image: Coaching assists individuals in improving their self-image and self-esteem, fostering a positive self-perception and bolstering confidence in their worth and capabilities. 

  • Encouraging Risk-taking: Coaches encourage individuals to step out of their comfort zones and take calculated risks, fostering a growth mindset and confidence in their ability to handle challenges. 

  • Providing Accountability: Coaches hold individuals accountable for their actions and commitments, fostering a sense of responsibility and confidence in their ability to follow through on goals. 

  • Offering Validation: Coaches provide validation and affirmation, acknowledging individuals' achievements and progress, and boosting their confidence and motivation. 

  • Improving Communication Skills: Coaching helps individuals enhance their communication skills, including assertiveness and active listening, enabling them to express themselves confidently and effectively in various contexts. 

  • Cultivating Leadership Qualities: Coaches support individuals in developing leadership qualities such as empathy, resilience, and vision, empowering them to lead with confidence and inspire others. 

  • Promoting Work-Life Balance: Coaches assist individuals in achieving work-life balance, reducing stress and burnout, and enhancing overall well-being, which contributes to increased confidence and effectiveness. 

  • Fostering a Growth Mindset: Coaches promote a growth mindset, emphasising the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, instilling confidence in individuals' capacity for growth and improvement. 

  • Creating Supportive Networks: Coaches help individuals build supportive networks and communities, providing encouragement and guidance, which boosts confidence and resilience in the face of challenges. 


Increasing Confidence as a Senior Leader – Case Study 

At The Leadership Coaches, we were approached by an organisation that had identified a need for coaching for one of their leaders.   

Leader at work

Like many others, Mae*, a leader who had recently been promoted, was keen to participate in executive coaching to support her in her new role and support her in increasing her confidence as she began a new senior position.   

 

Mae's engagement in executive coaching proved instrumental in enhancing her leadership capabilities and confidence. Initially recognising her strengths and areas for improvement, Mae embarked on coaching to address personal challenges hindering her success in her new senior role.   

  

Under the guidance of her executive coach, Mae underwent a transformational journey. She gained insights into how past experiences influenced her mindset and behaviour, fostering a more compassionate self-view and resilient approach to challenges.    

  

This newfound confidence enabled her to see her value within her role and amongst colleagues, ultimately enhancing her effectiveness as a leader.   

  

*Mae: name has been changed for confidentiality purposes.   

 


Contact Us Today 

At The Leadership Coaches, we’re here to support you and your people. Whether you’re looking for executive coaching for yourself or a member of your team, look no further than our team of credible and experienced coaches


To find out more about our executive coaching services, call us on 03450 950 480. 


Alternatively, email info@theleadershipcoaches.co.uk to arrange a no-obligation consultation with a member of our Senior Leadership Team.  


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