The Confidence of a Leader

Some people have IT.  You can see IT in their walk, body language, tone, interactions and decisions.  Many try to emulate those with IT-ability.  What is IT?  Described as many things, IT is something from within.  A simple concept that permeates every move.  IT is not a brash ego or a self-described “cut above”.  IT is a self-assurance that is enviable and easily accepts attention in any situation.  IT is self confidence.Self confident leaders do not feel the need to compete with others, prove their abilities or be the most eloquent orator in the room.  They simply and calmly offer their contributions in a style that is uniquely their own.  They think independently and act collaboratively.

In purchasing professions, decisions are made every day.  Big decisions.  Impactful and long-standing decisions.  Those who are successful with such visible pressure bring powerful influence to their companies and a reputation of partnership strength among suppliers. The right amount of self confidence will transform a high-stakes and thankless operational role into a challenging and fulfilling career with many dynamic facets to learn and teach.  Purchasing grows, changes and continually becomes more strategic.   Purchasing professionals with the right dose of self confidence are leading new thinking, finding their way to the leadership table and inventing the future of business planning and seamless operations.  Do you have IT?

You might be able to relate to following fable.

THE DONKEY

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Sometimes our professional lives leave us feeling like this donkey.  It may be that colleagues contribute to what is generally understood to be your demise.  How you think about your situation and what you do to pull from within and display self confidence makes all the difference.  Never give up.  Shake it off and take a step up.

Have a great week.