On the cutting edge of success

Building Confidence in Leadership

• Dr. Joel A Strehl • Episode 3

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What does it take to cultivate genuine confidence in leadership? Join us as I share a pivotal moment from my early days as a trauma surgeon, a high-pressure simulation that laid bare my shortcomings and ignited a journey towards becoming a more effective leader. This episode unpacks the distinction between confidence and arrogance, revealing how the former fosters collaboration and growth. By drawing on insights from leadership thinkers like Jocko Willink and Stephen Covey, we delve into the vital role of ownership and discipline in building leadership resilience. Expect to come away with practical strategies that transform self-doubt into empowerment.

Discover how proactive leadership can turn challenges into opportunities, exemplified by Steve Jobs' remarkable comeback at Apple in 1997. By anticipating consumer needs and prioritizing user experience, Jobs set a new standard for innovation. We explore how you can harness similar strategies by focusing on your circle of influence, practicing gratitude, and engaging in active listening. Through exercises designed for daily ownership and communication, you’ll gain tools to boost your confidence and effectiveness in leadership roles. This episode promises to inspire and equip you with the mindset needed to lead with purpose and authenticity.

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Speaker 1:

Welcome back to the podcast on the cutting edge of success. In the last episode, we discussed stepping out of professional comfort zones, and today we're diving into a topic that's central to success in any field building confidence in leadership. I'd like to start with a quick story. Early in my career, I faced a situation where I had to lead a team through a difficult scenario. It was my first year of residency, also known as my internship. It's a time when I was just beginning to learn what it truly meant to lead under pressure. The setting was a trauma simulation, a training exercise, deciding to feel as real as possible. The scenario it was a young child that had been run over by a pickup truck. The details are still vivid and intense in my mind. A live actor was brought in, covered in incredibly realistic makeup, simulating severe injuries. The chaos was palpable, the stakes felt sky high and all eyes were on me as I had seconds to make life or death decisions. And all eyes were on me as I had seconds to make life or death decisions. I was expected to take charge of a team of 10 experienced healthcare professionals and guide them through this trauma activation. To add to the pressure, several seasoned trauma surgeons stood on the sidelines observing every move I made. They weren't there to help. They were there to evaluate and critique.

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And although it was a simulation, the gravity of the moment was overwhelming. I had done some studying, of course, but it became quickly clear that I wasn't prepared as I needed to be. I froze, unsure of how to prioritize the patient's care or communicate effectively with the team, effectively with the team. The room buzzed with tensions as I struggled to direct the team, my inexperience laid bare for everyone to see. I could feel my heart racing and my confidence slipping away with every second. The injured patient lay before me and I didn't yet have the leadership skills or medical knowledge to handle the complexity of such a critical situation. I realize now that a big point of this simulation was to expose how much I didn't know, and they do this for every young trauma surgeon. Looking back, that moment was pivotal. It was humbling, even a bit humiliating, but it planted a seed in me. It taught me that leadership isn't something you just step into, it's something you build, one experience at a time. I realized that preparation, confidence and the ability to guide a team under pressure weren't optional skills. They were essential. And that day, even though I stumbled, I left the simulation with a determination to improve, not just as a trauma surgeon, but as a leader, and that's exactly what I've been striving for ever since. And while there's been many situations since that I've struggled or I've felt unprepared, I've tried to continue to learn and grow from each one of these situations.

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Leadership is a constant journey of growth, and confidence is the foundation that allows us to navigate challenges and inspire others. So in this episode, we're going to explore what leadership confidence really means, how to build it and how to sustain it, even when things are tough. Let's talk for a moment about the importance of confidence in leadership. A confident leader inspires trust, whether it's your team, your clients, your community. People look to leaders who seem certain about their direction. But confidence isn't about always having the answers or being perfect. It's about having the courage to make decisions, admit when you're wrong and take responsibility for outcomes. One thing I want to clarify is the difference between confidence and arrogance. Confidence comes from preparation and humility. It's grounded in competence and willingness to grow. Arrogance, on the other hand, shuts down collaboration and feedback. As leaders, we need to walk the fine line of being assured without being unapproachable. Confidence in leadership is a blend of self assurance, trustworthiness and the ability to inspire and guide others effectively.

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I've recently completed two leadership books that I think are very important and provide a lot of good leadership principles. The first is by Jocko Willink Leadership Strategies and Tactics, and the second is the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. I'd like to share with you a few high-level takeaways that I gained from reading these books. Number one confidence through discipline and ownership. Take ownership. It's so important to take ownership when things go wrong. It's a little bit of a different kind of mindset. Taking ownership is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Leaders must accept full responsibility for everything within their sphere of influence, whether it's successes, failures or challenges. By owning problems and seeking solutions rather than blaming others, leaders build trust and credibility with their team. This mindset empowers leaders to stay proactive, foster accountability in their teams and create a culture of resilience and growth. Ultimately, taking ownership inspires confidence in both the leader and their team, ensuring progress even in the face of adversity.

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Next, stay disciplined. Discipline is the foundation of freedom and confidence in leadership. Disciplined leaders those who consistently adhere to structured planning, effective communication and regular reflection create predictability and stability, which instills confidence in their teams. When leaders are disciplined, they are better prepared, more decisive and able to handle challenges without being overwhelmed. This consistency not only builds the leader's self-assurance, but also reassures the team, fostering trust and reliability. I advise you to cultivate habits like setting clear goals, communicating expectations regularly and taking time to evaluate your team members' performance to sustain discipline and inspire others.

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In this next section, I want to discuss how to build confidence as a leader. Building confidence starts with your mindset. For many leaders, self-doubt is the biggest barrier. For many leaders, self-doubt is the biggest barrier, that inner voice telling you you're not good enough or what if you fail. These voices can be overwhelming. To overcome this, start with self-awareness. Identify those negative thoughts and reframe them. For example, instead of thinking I'm not qualified to lead this project, try something like I'm learning as I go and I have the skills to figure it out. This simple mindset shift can do wonders for your self-confidence. Once you have your mindset in the right place, I recommend being proactive.

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I'd like to emphasize the importance of taking initiative through the principle of proactivity. Proactive leaders focus on their ability to influence outcomes rather than merely reacting to external circumstances. By taking deliberate, decisive actions, they demonstrate control and clarity, which foster confidence in both themselves and their teams. This approach encourages leaders to identify solutions instead of dwelling on problems, creating a culture of empowerment and progress. When leaders consistently take initiative, they inspire trust and a sense of stability, as their teams can rely on them to navigate challenges with purpose and resilience. Steve Jobs is a quintessential example of a leader who proactively solved challenges and transformed not only his company but the entire industry.

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When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, after being ousted years earlier, the company was on the brink of bankruptcy, struggling with an unfocused product line, weak branding and declining consumer trust. Instead of reacting to the crisis and following existing industry trends, jobs took bold, proactive steps to reinvent the company and establish a culture of innovation. Steve Jobs didn't wait for market demand to dictate innovation. He anticipated what consumers would want before they even knew they wanted it. Jobs introduced the iMac in 1999. This combined sleek design with user-friendly functionality. Its vibrant colors and simplicity broke away from traditional beige box aesthetics, making computers more appealing to a broader audience. In 2001, jobs envisioned a portable device that could put a thousand songs in your pocket. The iPad revolutionized how people consume music, disrupting the music industry and positioning Apple as a lifestyle brand.

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Perhaps Jobs' most iconic contribution came in 2007. He launched the iPhone, which transformed smartphones from utilitarian tools to essential user-centric devices. Jobs saw the potential for combining a phone, music player and internet browser into one device, creating an entirely new market. Jobs proactively focused on design and user experience when competitors were fixated on hardware specs. Partnering with industrial designer Johnny Ive, he ensured that Apple's products not only worked well, but looked and felt exceptional. This focus on simplicity and elegance set Apple apart in a crowded market. Jobs understood that Apple's future lay in creating an integrated ecosystem. He proactively launched platforms like iTunes, the Apple Store and iCloud, which connected Apple devices seamlessly. This approach created a loyal customer base and turned Apple into a leader in digital services.

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Okay, we're still working on how to build confidence as a leader, and here's the next essential part of it Focus on your circle of influence. I encourage you to focus energy on what you can control, which will build competence and confidence over time. Focusing energy on what can be controlled is a cornerstone of effective leadership, as it allows leaders to channel their efforts towards actions that yield tangible results. When leaders concentrate on areas within their circle of influence, such as their decisions, attitude and strategic planning, they build both competence and confidence over time. This proactive mindset helps leaders avoid wasting energy on external factors beyond their control, like marketing fluctuations or competitors' actions, and instead fosters a sense of empowerment and accountability. By consistently taking action on what they can influence, whether it's improving processes, guiding their teams or enhancing personal skills, leaders develop mastery in their roles, inspire trust and position themselves as capable and resilient even in challenging circumstances. Position themselves as capable and resilient even in challenging circumstances. This approach not only drives progress, but also instills confidence in those they lead, reinforcing a cycle of growth and stability.

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Here's something you can try today. Think of a circumstance where you are a leader. This may be at work in a relationship at home, like with your children. This may be at work in a relationship at home, like with your children. Perhaps you coach a team, or even in your friend circle. I want you to list some concerns and classify them into things that you can control versus things that you can't. Then focus on those things that you can control. What changes, perhaps even small changes, can you make to have a positive impact in that situation? Another strategy is practicing gratitude. Reflect on past achievements, no matter how small. Remind yourself of the progress you've made. These small mindset shifts can make a huge difference in how you approach challenges. These are two very small, actionable items that you can try today. I'd also encourage you to leverage humility in your communication. Confident leaders listen actively and value their team's input. Here are a few quick takeaways from Stephen Covey's book. Begin with the end in mind. Have a clear vision and align your daily actions with long-term goals. This will help you feel grounded and confident.

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Stephen Covey describes the principle of sharpening the saw and he tells this story. A man is walking through the woods when he comes across a woodsman laboring to saw down a tree. The man notices the woodman is working hard but making little progress. The man says you look exhausted. How long have you been at this? The woodsman replies all day long. I've been at it for hours and this tree just won't fall. The man suggests why don't you take a break and sharpen your saw? It will make your work much easier. The woodsman responds I don't have time to sharpen the saw, I'm too busy sawing.

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This story highlights the importance of self-renewal and preparation. Just as a dull saw requires more effort and produces less effective results, a person who neglects their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being struggle to perform at their best. Too often I found myself going a thousand miles an hour, getting pulled in multiple directions. I remember very specifically how frustrated I was in med school. Oftentimes I would stay up for countless hours at night and go on little sleep. I was studying and urgently trying to remember and digest all the information that I was taking in, but because I had not sharpened my saw, much of that effort was going in vain. Take time to recharge. Invest in self-improvement. Time spent sharpening the saw isn't wasted. It leads to better results with less effort over time. A few practical exercises that Covey describes in his book that I found helpful are these Daily ownership practice.

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Reflect on one decision you made today. Did you take full ownership of the outcome? If not, how can you next time? Number two proactive leadership challenge. Identify one situation where you've been reactive. Write down a proactive approach to how you could handle it more confidently next time. Communication drill Take a concept that's fairly complex, maybe something from work or school, and try to explain it to a non-expert. Notice how clarity boosts your confidence.

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Confidence is built through action. The more you prepare, learn and practice, the more assured you'll feel. For example, if you're leading a meeting, take time to research, anticipate questions and outline your points. Preparation builds credibility, not just with others but with yourself. Better preparation would have definitely made a big difference during that trauma activation I described at the beginning of this podcast. Experience is another key. Start small, lead a small project, mentor, a junior colleague or take on a task outside your comfort zone. Each success, no matter how small, builds momentum. Seeking feedback is also critical. Ask a trusted colleague or mentor for constructive input. Remember feedback isn't a critique for your worth. It's a tool to help you grow. Confidence grows when you empower others, when you lift up your team and trust their abilities. It reflects back on you as a leader.

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Servant leadership, where your focus is on helping others succeed, builds both their confidence and yours. It's a win-win situation. But no matter how confident you become, there will be moments that test you. Maybe it's criticism, a failed project or unexpected setbacks. The key is resilience. Stay grounded in your purpose, why you started this journey. Celebrate progress, not perfection. For example, even if a project doesn't go as planned, focus on what you've learned and how you can do better next time. Another tip is to surround yourself with people who lift you up, whether it's a mentor, a supportive colleague or a personal cheerleader. Having the right people in your corner makes all the difference. Take a moment to think about somebody that you could ask to help mentor you or guide you along the way in your leadership journey If you truly desire to become an effective leader.

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I think one of the most important things to take away from this episode is this A true leader isn't someone who seeks to stand on a stage or pedestal to be admired. Instead, effective leadership is rooted in humility, service and action Servant Leadership. A leader's role is to empower their team, support their growth and ensure the mission is accomplished, often working quietly in the background. Leadership is not about personal glory or recognition. It's about responsibility, accountability and creating an environment where others can thrive. By focusing on the team rather than themselves, leaders build trust, respect and confidence, ensuring long-term success for the group as a whole. As we wrap up this episode, I'd like to share another story with you.

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A Navy battleship was at sea during a stormy night conducting maneuvers. The visibility was poor and the captain stationed on the bridge was watching over the situation carefully. Suddenly, a lookout spotted a light directly ahead. It appeared to be on a collision course with the battleship. The captain quickly ordered the signal man to send a message. The captain quickly ordered the signal man to send a message. We are on a collision course. Alter your course 20 degrees north. The reply came back Advisable for you to alter your course 20 degrees south. The captain, angered by the defiance, sent another message. I am a captain of the US Navy. Alter your course 20 degrees north. The response was prompt. By now the captain was furious. He sent a final authoritative message this is a battleship. I demand you alter your course 20 degrees north. The reply came back calmly this is a lighthouse, captain, your call.

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The lesson I take away from this is that this story illustrates the importance of distinguishing between what can be and what cannot be changed, what is in our control. The lighthouse symbolizes unchangeable principles, realities or facts, forces that remain constant regardless of our wishes or authority. Facts, forces that remain constant regardless of our wishes or authority. Proactive leaders understand that they must adapt their course to align with these principles rather than trying to force change in the areas beyond their control. Effective leadership requires humility, adaptability and a focus on what you can influence, rather than the futile resistance against unchangeable realities.

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To wrap things up today, let's remember confidence in leadership isn't something you're born with. It's something you build through mindset, preparation and action. It's about stepping into challenges and trusting yourself to grow through them. Leadership confidence is not innate. It's cultivated through discipline, ownership, clarity and alignment with principles. So my challenge to you is this Reflect on one area where you'd like to build confidence and take a small step this week towards improving it. Thank you for tuning in today, as together we're striving for personal growth, professional success and optimal health. In the next episode, we'll explore health, wellness and aesthetics. It's a holistic approach. If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend or leave a review. It means so much to me. Keep striving and keep leading with confidence. I'll see you next time. Me Keep striving and keep leading with confidence. I'll see you next time, but until then, remember your vision starts within. You can make it a reality.