In surprisingly short supply, consider some ways to increase personal confidence.

What makes self-confidence in a leader important? Without it, a leader cannot embrace change or take on difficult assignments. With it, a leader has a presence that helps her to "stand out", strengthen and support others in order to multiply leadership. Strong leaders with high self-confidence do not hesitate to move forward and make important decisions immediately without fear of the outcome. People are watching, and a leader who shows lack of self-confidence is considered weak.

So how to cope with a lack of self-confidence?

Some leaders may attempt to fake their way through it.

Effective leaders have learned the importance of the following:

Focus on personal and organizational strengths: traditional leadership development programs have focused on gaps. With the advent of positive psychology and some of the work of the Gallup organization, this is changing. Consider your strengths and the gaps will take care of themselves.

Be willing to be relentless in decision-making, face the consequences and move on: Not making decisions or second-guessing is a sure-fire way to continue to wallow in low self-esteem. Taking action provides the confidence needed to make subsequent decisions.

Learn from mistakes: since mistakes are inevitable, change your thinking from "what went wrong?" to "how can I learn from what went wrong?"

Celebrate the outcomes: how often do we do this? An often neglected activity, learn to celebrate in the way that works best for you and your team. Even less than perfect outcomes should be celebrated with emphasis on what went right.

Make sure you surround yourself and rely on smart people: enough said.

Find someone you can confide in, reflect with, and do it regularly (schedule it).

Where do you find someone to confide in? Finding a confidante may be the hardest to act on. Vulnerability must be admitted to ask for help. Aren't leaders supposed to have all the answers? Why would they need someone to confide in? Leaders don't have all the answers (just like anyone ... ) and making the time to confide and reflect assists in clarifying situations and finding the answers - leading to increased self confidence. You may find a colleague that is an exceptional non-judgmental listener - perhaps you have a friend or relative who will fit the bill. Hiring a coach trained in the skill set of coaching may be the best answer.