5 Confidence-Building Strategies for Women Leaders

Whether you’ve already made it to the top of the managerial ladder or are hoping to get there one day, confidence can be a complex challenge.

As a female leader, you're often told to assert yourself, make strong eye contact, and adjust your voice and body language to come across as self-confident, even when you may feel anything but.

At the same time, your colleagues – especially men – expect you to remain approachable, likable, empathic, and, above all, nondomineering in your leadership style.

Recent HBR research describes this as “weaponizing confidence against women”[1]: women who fail to reach their professional goals are blamed for lacking confidence. And those who advocate for themselves and take charge risk pushing too hard, which, ironically, makes them seem less competent than their self-assured male counterparts.

But double standards aren’t the only thing preventing talented, able and accomplished women from becoming confident leaders. Impostor syndrome, gender bias, microaggressions, and a lack of female role models are just a few of the factors that contribute to the confidence crisis.

In this article, we’ll explore these obstacles and offer strategies to support you in building confidence in your leadership skills. One small breakthrough at a time.

What's Holding Women Back?

A 2023 survey by BodyTalk found that women's workplace confidence, already trailing behind men's, has dropped even further since the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]

This “confidence gap” is a barrier to women’s professional development.[3] Research shows that women, particularly in the early stages of their careers, are more likely to underestimate their abilities and performance compared to men, which keeps them from seeking new opportunities.[4]

Several arguments can be made as to why this is the case. Here are the most important ones:

Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome – the feeling of being a fraud despite evidence of capability and success – is not exclusive to women, but it affects them more than men. Evidence suggests that inaccuracies in the self-perception of women leaders:[5]

• cause them to underrate their management skills.
• generate anxiety in the face of feedback.
• are influenced by organizational factors, such as gender-power relations.

As a result, many women hesitate to pursue promotions unless they’re 100 percent qualified, thus perpetuating the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions.[6][7]

Gender Biases

Deeply rooted gender biases also contribute to the confidence gap. Evidence suggests that women are often held to higher performance standards and underestimated in terms of their potential, even when their achievements match or surpass those of their male colleagues.[8]

And then there’s the apparent maternity-leave problem. Despite improved paternity rights, many employers still see women as more likely to leave work due to maternity, even when data suggests otherwise.[9]

So, as a woman leader, you’re not only up against your own doubts but also systemic biases that are out of your control.

Microaggressions

Have you ever been mistaken for someone more junior or had your expertise questioned at work? These are examples of microaggressions, and they happen to women much more often than men.[10]

Women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities face these subtle slights even more frequently.

It's no wonder these experiences can shake your confidence and make you question your abilities as a leader.

Insufficient Role Models

Another difficulty you likely face as a female leader is the lack of positive role models in your industry or company. This is a real roadblock.

Studies show that seeing other women succeed in leadership roles can have a powerful effect.[11] It can even boost your performance on challenging tasks.

But it's not just about inspiration. Observing confident female leaders can subconsciously influence your body language and behavior, making you feel more empowered and capable.

5 Confidence-Building Strategies for Women in Leadership

At this point, you may be feeling a bit discouraged. But you can take heart from knowing that is still in your power to boost your confidence levels and overcome internal and external barriers to your personal success as a female leader.

Let’s explore five strategies together.

1. Develop a Growth Mindset

Professional development isn't about a fixed outcome, let alone being perfect in everything you do – it's about progress. Develop a mindset where you see challenges for what they truly are: learning opportunities, not setbacks.

Having a growth mindset as a leader allows you to embrace feedback, learn from mistakes, and confidently tackle new tasks. That way, you can lead by example and foster a culture of continuous improvement within your team.

2. Recognize Managerial Self-Sabotage

Don't let the pressure to demonstrate competence derail your leadership journey. Micromanaging or dismissing your team's ideas to assert authority can backfire, creating resentment and hindering your growth as a leader.

To avoid such managerial self-sabotage, it’s best to embrace an inclusive leadership style – one that empowers your team, encourages open communication, and values diverse perspectives. In short, be the leader you would want to follow.

3. Practice Confident Vulnerability

This one may sound contradictory, but confidence doesn’t always mean projecting an image of unshakable strength, especially if that strength compromises authenticity.

Vulnerable leadership means admitting when you don’t have all the answers and being open to feedback and collaboration. It also means acknowledging your mistakes and showing empathy toward your team's struggles as well as your own.

This, too, is a form of confidence – the courage to be human.

4. Mentor Other Aspiring Women Leaders

Another great way to build confidence is by turning the focus outward and helping other women succeed. Or, to put it another way, lift as you climb!

Championing other women, for example, through mentorship programs or guest-speaking engagements, creates a supportive network and lets you see the impact you have firsthand.

This is also an opportunity to cultivate a positive affective presence, the ability to make others feel valued and energized simply by being around you. Sharing your warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine care can create a ripple effect of positivity and inspiration.

5. Empower Yourself Through Resilience Training

There’s no way around it: being a female leader in a male-dominated world is tough. You'll face many challenges, but don't let them define you. Build your resilience to bounce back stronger and keep pushing forward.

Now you may think, “Resilience is something you’re born with, not a skill you can learn.” But that’s simply not true. Like any other skill, resilience can be strengthened through deliberate practice. It just needs to be nurtured and trained like a muscle.

If you're ready to turn setbacks into stepping stones, this Resilience Skill Bite is a great place to start.

And never forget, your efforts are definitely worth it. Every step you take toward self-confidence is a step toward breaking barriers for future women leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Confidence Gap? The confidence gap refers to the tendency for women to underestimate their abilities and performance compared to men, often leading to missed opportunities for career advancement.

Do women experience impostor syndrome more often than men? Yes, research suggests that imposter syndrome, the feeling of being a fraud or not deserving of success, affects women more frequently than men.

What are some common microaggressions that women leaders face? Women leaders often encounter microaggressions like having their judgment questioned, being interrupted more often, or having their ideas dismissed or attributed to others.

How can you tell if a leader is confident? Confidence shows up in different ways. One leader might speak assertively, make decisive choices, and face challenges head-on. Another might display quiet confidence through thoughtful listening, empathy, and collaboration. Ultimately, confident leaders believe in their abilities, trust their instincts, and inspire others with their authenticity and passion.

[1] Baker, D. T. and Bourke, J. (2022). ‘How Confidence Is Weaponized Against Women.’ Harvard Business Review. Available here. [Accessed September 5, 2024.]

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