By: Undre Griggs, Jr
Confidence is a beneficial trait for a leader to possess. Confident leaders will be able to overcome fear and doubt; they can show vulnerability and be able to admit their mistakes.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Like most things, we need to be careful about having too much of anything. Too much confidence can lead to arrogance and the belief that we are always right or unable to fail. Confident leaders welcome alternative thoughts and perspectives; while arrogant leaders have difficulty seeing the gifts and strengths of others. Confident leaders are generally viewed as dependable and admirable; while arrogant leaders are typically viewed negatively and undesirable to people as a whole. Understandably, anyone who believes they are always right and unable to accept the influence of others is likely an obnoxious person and difficult to be around.
Luke 18:9,11,13-14 (NKJV): 9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 13“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Confident leaders understand the likelihood of success and the chance of failure. They plan appropriately for the ensuing risk and invest time preparing not only themselves, but their entire team. Arrogant leaders will find success, but it will be with considerable expense. Their successes will be short lived because of their inability to see the value in others. Their overconfidence will also lead to a lack of self-awareness, making it difficult for them to make accurate and successful decisions. These tend to make it difficult for them to accept guidance and feedback; as well as learning from their mistakes (Romans 12:3). As effective leaders, we should strive and nurture confidence; caring about the success of the team, as much, if not more than the success of the mission.
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