A baby taking their first steps is not a competent walker. They're also not a confident walker. After getting some practice, the baby becomes a toddler and has more competence walking and more confidence. Then they start running because they've got high confidence, but they don't quite have the competence so they have some crashes and spills. Leaders aren't babies or toddlers, but effective leaders are absolutely learning all the time. Some days they may have a lot to learn. Confidence in the new information may be low, but confidence to learn it is high based on prior experience. Once they know more, the confidence with the material goes up, and they may also realize they need to know more. Earning confidence and competence are in the same cycle. When someone has consistent confidence or consistent competence, it's possible they're no longer being challenged. Keep yourself sharp and aware by: 1. Earning Confidence Through Competence: Building confidence in a new role or task starts with acknowledging what you don't know, then actively seeking knowledge and guidance from others. Education and patience play a crucial role in developing the necessary competence, which in turn boosts confidence. 2. Taking Action That Breeds Confidence: Taking incremental steps while being aware of your progress is essential. Striving for perfection at the expense of action can be counterproductive. It's about learning, taking action, adjusting, and continuing to grow that builds true confidence. 3. Staying Appropriately Humble: Confidence and competence are essential, but so is humility. Arrogance can hinder personal and professional growth. Strive to be both confident and competent, yet remain humble and open to continuous learning. There is no leader of people who has been 100% confident and 100% competent, 100% of the time. Each person on the No More Leadership BS team has been through various learning processes in leadership. Sometimes we learn through being taught, teaching, or just falling flat on our face. In every case, understanding what worked and what didn't helps make the next opportunity more likely to succeed. As you examine your competence with your job and your confidence, where do you feel particularly strong with both? Where could you use a little more support? If you're up for learning and growing, please let us know!