I’ve always believed that the cornerstone of success was confidence…but only when matched with unwavering clarity…. Clarity about who you are and what you are on a mission to accomplish.
People need to feel confident to take action. People need to see confidence to follow a leader.
In watching the inauguration of President Obama, I was struck by his presence—his confident clarity. At a time when others seem lost in the fog, uncertain of what to do next and changing direction constantly, you really notice the kind of calming, confident clarity he conveys. I think that’s part of why he’s become so popular. It’s not about his policy so much as his presence. That has to come first.
Leadership only gets as far as those who are willing to follow you will go. And that’s why having a solid sense of who you are, what you stand for, and where you are headed is so important. It’s what I call ‘leading on purpose’—leading from that place of confident clarity.
What are you clear and confident about? Where can you stand tall, speak your truth and convey the kind of clarity it takes for others to be inspired to take action? When you find that sweet spot, success gets really easy.
