Leadership Development - Could Building Self-Confidence Be Counterproductive?

Leadership development and self-confidence areOver my 15 years as a coach (and a few years
directly related, but is it possible to hurt youras a pastor), I've heard many interpretations of
self-confidence by focusing too much on buildingthe above quote, most of which claim that being
it? Leadership development seminars which focus"ready to receive" is all about having faith and
on building confidence teach principles of bodyexpecting to get what you want. This is not true.
language, persuasion, negotiation and much moreBeing "ready to receive" has more to do with
for the sake of increasing someone's influence asyour character than anything else. In other words,
a leader. However, underneath these techniques ishaving a level of self-awareness, discipline,
a foundational principle which determines whetherwillingness to serve others and a capability to
these techniques are a blessing or a curse....let mepersevere is the key to being ready to receive.
explain:These are the character traits which create rock
The "Peter Principle" and the Confidence Conflictsolid self-confidence and which ensure that you'll
The "Peter Principle" states that "In a hierarchykeep and enjoy the fruits of your success.
every employee tends to rise to his level ofWithout these, even success can become a living
incompetence," but have you ever wondered howhell, just ask the many parents who give their
this happens? It happens when a person's abilitychildren everything without helping their children
to "play the game" and earn the position bybuild the character which will ensure that they'll be
means of applying techniques and strategiesgood stewards of what they receive. So here's
overrides their strength of character. The result isthe question to ask yourself....
a position of authority which is accompanied by anAre You Ready to Receive What You Want?
inner feeling of being an imposter and a dreadYou've probably heard the saying: "Be careful
that people will "find you out," as not really havingwhat you wish for." I suspect that the person
what it takes.who said this was aware of how important it was
It happens when a person's skill level becomes sofor someone to have the character to handle
out of proportion to the strength of theirsuccess before they started working on achieving
character. This is why the building of strongit. And actually, the development of that
character and genuine self-confidence is eonscharacter is 90% of the process of becoming
more valuable than the development of skills. It'ssuccessful. This is why the foundation of all
this kind of confidence which truly prepares youachievement and of great leadership development
for a position of leadership; a position whichwill always be your character.
doesn't bring with it a feeling of being "in overAre you prepared to pay the price in building
your head."self-awareness, discipline, making a contribution to
As Napoleon Hill said:others and persevering when things get tough?
"There is a difference between wantingYour desire to receive must be equaled by your
something and being prepared to receive it."willingness to give, and believe me, it's worth it.