Belief: The Leadership Superpower

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

It was her first year playing a sport she knew almost nothing about—no experience, no understanding of the playbook, just curiosity and a willingness to try. She was timid at first but fully committed, approaching the game the same way she approaches everything in life: with all she has. She had raw talent, a strong desire to learn, and a coachable spirit. In many ways, she was a blank slate—the kind any coach could mold, though not every coach would recognize the opportunity.

But a great one did.

My daughter was fortunate to have a coach who truly saw her. He recognized her strengths, nurtured her potential, and invested in her growth. He pushed her when she needed challenge, supported her when she needed encouragement, and helped her discover abilities she didn’t know she had. His belief in her ignited something powerful—a fire we had never seen before.

And belief is powerful. It’s a force multiplier.

Her confidence bloomed. Her hunger to grow became insatiable. She sought extra training, worked harder, and saw the results. She earned spots on reputable travel teams and even got a bit of varsity playing time as a freshman. Her love for basketball took off at full speed.

Over the years, she has played for many coaches, and one pattern has been unmistakable: the greatest predictor of her success on the court is the belief her coach places in her. Belief is rocket fuel—it brings our strengths to life. Its absence can be equally powerful, deflating performance just as quickly.

I’ve seen the same impact in business. Some of the most formative years of my career were shaped by a leader who believed in me. Their belief inspired performance that exceeded what I thought possible.

Belief doesn’t require proof. It simply requires conviction—and leaders who express that conviction empower people to move mountains.

If you are a leader, belief is one of the most powerful tools you have. Recognize your people’s strengths. See them as they are and as they can be. Tell them—clearly—how their contributions matter. The outcomes will speak for themselves: higher performance, deeper engagement, and stronger connection.

But leadership changes are inevitable, and not every leader provides belief. When that happens, self-leadership becomes essential. While it’s a gift to have a leader who brings out the best in us, it’s not always guaranteed. Sometimes we must cultivate that belief from within.

Photo by Katrina Wright on Unsplash

How to Strengthen Your Own Confidence and Self-Belief

1. Let go of others’ opinions. What people think of you is shaped by their experiences and biases—not your truth.

2. Play to your strengths. Lean into what comes naturally. Instead of obsessing over weaknesses, maximize what makes you exceptional.

3. Challenge negative self-talk. Replace “I can’t” with “I’ll do my best.” Treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others.

4. Celebrate your wins. Small victories build momentum—acknowledge them.

5. Step outside your comfort zone. Small, intentional challenges build confidence over time.

6. Limit comparison. Comparing yourself to others undermines your progress and your peace.

7. Build a positive support network. Surround yourself with people who encourage, support, and elevate you.

Belief is one of the most powerful forces in leadership. The story of my daughter’s first year playing basketball illustrates how a coach’s genuine belief can ignite confidence, unlock potential, and drive exceptional growth. Over time, her strongest performances have always come under leaders who truly saw her strengths and invested in her development—demonstrating that belief acts as fuel for both performance and passion.

This principle holds true in the workplace as well: leaders who express belief in their people inspire results that exceed expectations. But because great leadership isn’t always guaranteed, individuals must learn to cultivate their own inner belief. Strategies such as focusing on strengths, challenging negative self-talk, celebrating wins, stepping outside comfort zones, avoiding comparison, and surrounding oneself with positive support help build self-confidence and resilience.

Ultimately, belief—whether from a leader or from within—is a transformative force that brings out the best in us.

I see you. I believe in you. Go forth and prosper.

---

Audrey LaMere, The Confidence Coach

Audrey LaMere is The Confidence Coach at WeInspireWe. Her desire is for every person to recognize and harness the unique brilliance within themselves – owning their identity. Audrey is passionate about raising the consciousness of every leader at home, in the community, and in the boardroom so they can effectively raise themselves up to great leadership and can raise those around them up too. Audrey’s personal mission is to create a ripple effect that impacts the world - enabling greater connection, joy, purpose, and impact globally!

If you’re ready to know who you are, confidently step into your great leadership, and make that lasting impact, then schedule a free coaching session with Audrey today.