June 20, 2022

Last week we talked about how important it is to be a confident leader, but did you know that it's equally important to make sure your team has confidence? You may have some extremely talented people on your team, but if they have no belief in themselves, their abilities, and your corporate vision they will never reach their full potential.

Hall of Fame Jets quarterback Joe Namath said:

"When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things." 

The best leaders are those that prepare us and instill confidence in us. They make us feel that no matter the opportunity, conflict, or obstacle we have everything we need to overcome! In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus is sending out the 12 disciples to preach the Good News and being the great leader that He is, Jesus is telling them what to expect and preparing them for the opposition they will encounter. But throughout the passage Jesus tells them “Do not be afraid.” In fact in verse 19 He says, "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say…" Jesus was cultivating confidence in His team.

Here are a few ways you can bring confidence to your team:

1. Match people’s talents to their tasks. — In the account of David’s defeat of the giant Goliath in 1st Samuel, there is a portion of the story where King Saul tries to get David to wear his personal armor. David puts the armor on but it just doesn’t fit. Instead of helping him, it weighs David down, it’s uncomfortable, and actually hinders David more than helps him. Many leaders sabotage their team’s confidence by giving them tasks that just don't "fit" their talents. They see a need, and they throw a warm body in a position without really considering if this is truly a good fit. When our team members or employees are put in a position that doesn’t match their gifts and talents they lose confidence and the mission suffers. 
   
   
2. Equip and train people so that they have everything they need to be able to do their job with excellence. — We all love those leaders who prepare for us every contingency. "If this happens, you do this..." they say. We feel confident. We feel at peace, because we know what to do. This is something we as leaders need to be constantly aware of. Do our people feel they have all the knowledge, resources, and the training they need to be their best? If you care you should be aware. Wherever there is a void of communication, negativity will fill it. So ask them, observe them, get feedback from them and make the changes needed to give your team unshakable confidence.
   
   
3. Continually look for ways to build people up and encourage them in their performance. — In 1800's England there were two equally brilliant men who were competing to win the Prime Minister of England. One was William Gladstone, the other was Benjamin Disraeli. The race was extremely close but Disraeli ultimately won. What made the difference? Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill's mother, who had dinner with both men gave everyone a clue with this story. "When I left the dining room after sitting next to Gladstone, I thought he was the cleverest man in England. But when I sat next to Disraeli, I left feeling that I was the cleverest woman." Disraeli had spent the whole evening asking her questions and listening intently to her responses. He was genuinely interested in her, and he tried to steer the conversation toward her. Not surprisingly, Disraeli, the person who mastered the art of making other people feel important and confident, won the election. 

If this Leadership Lifter has been a blessing please share with a friend!
Blessings,
Pastor David Blunt

Question for Growth:
How do people "feel" after spending time with me?
 

Recommended Book:
The Art of Dealing with People — Les Giblin