What to Do When You’ve Lost Your Confidence as a Leader

“Very few people get into the seat and believe that they are now qualified to be the CEO. They're not going to tell you that, but it's true.” [1]

That’s Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO, naming what few admit out loud: the private doubt that creeps in even at the top. Or, indeed, especially at the top.

Such moments are more common than you might think. One study found that 71 percent of CEOs experience Impostor Syndrome (compared to 33 percent of early-stage professionals). [2]

Confidence isn’t linear. It ebbs and flows with pressure, uncertainty, and self-talk. And in this article, we’ll explore how to recognize what’s knocked your confidence and provide some practical steps you can take to steady yourself if your self-belief slips.

How and Why Confidence Takes a Hit

Confidence in leadership is shaped not just by outcomes (for example, projects delivered, budgets met, stakeholders satisfied), but also by context (how much pressure you’re under, who’s watching, how safe it feels to show doubt).

You can be performing well, hitting your targets, and reaping praise, yet still feel unsure of yourself. This wobble is often triggered by subtle, cumulative pressures. Some common culprits include:

• Imposter syndrome. You’re leading a high-stakes initiative but suddenly questioning if you’re the right person for the job.
• Public scrutiny. A keynote speech falls flat, or you're unexpectedly challenged in a big meeting and the moment sticks.
• Role transitions: A dream promotion lands, but you’re struggling to find your feet.
• Burnout. Months at full tilt have left you drained and doubting decisions that once felt instinctive.
• Loss of control. Your decision is overridden, or the market shifts unexpectedly, leaving you in reactionary mode.
• Feedback spirals. Even constructive feedback starts to chip away at how you see yourself.
• Team or culture shifts. A key person leaves, morale dips, and you start to internalize the cracks.
• Identity shifts. Life stage changes or personal transitions unsettle your sense of self.
• Personal upheaval. A health issue, relationship strain, or caring load makes it harder to feel steady, let alone confident.

These aren’t unusual leadership challenges, but because few talk about them, it can feel like you’re the only one who’s off balance.

And sometimes, there’s no clear trigger, just a quiet slide into self-doubt that’s easy to miss and hard to shift. Whatever its cause, let’s explore some practical strategies that can get you back on track.

The Inner Work: Rebuilding Belief From the Inside Out

When confidence wobbles, notice your inner voice. In low moments, it often turns critical, but that voice is stress talking, not truth. So:

Dial Up the Self-Compassion

Professor Dr Kristin Neff identifies three pillars of self-compassion that can interrupt negative self-talk: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. [3]

Here’s a practical breakdown of how they work:

Self-Compassion: What It Looks Like Versus What It Doesn’t

Element

Practicing Self-Compassion

The Opposite Response

Self-Kindness

Treating yourself with kindness, as you would a friend.

Being self-critical or dismissive of your struggles.

Common Humanity

Knowing you're not alone in your challenges.

Feeling isolated or like it’s just you.

Mindfulness

Noticing emotions without exaggerating or ignoring them.

Getting overwhelmed or shutting feelings down.

If you’re often in the right-hand column, it’s a sign to build your self-compassion.

Gather the Data

Revisit feedback, past wins, or ask a trusted peer what they see in you. It’s not about boosting ego but grounding yourself in facts.

Reframe Setbacks as Learning

Psychologist Carol Dweck’s growth mindset concept reminds us that abilities aren’t fixed but developed through effort. [4]

This perspective is embraced by leaders like Accenture CEO Julie Sweet, who puts continuous learning at the heart of both her personal brand and company culture, including hiring.

As part of Accenture’s recruitment process, every candidate is asked, “What have you learned in the last six months?” to identify those committed to ongoing development. [5]

When something knocks your confidence, try not to see it as a verdict on your leadership. Instead, ask yourself, “What can I take from this?” That small shift can make a big difference to how quickly you bounce back.

Borrow Someone Else’s Belief in You

If your confidence needs a quick pick-me-up or you’re just not in the mood for loads of psychological unpacking, try this instead: show up as the version of you that someone else believes in.

Maybe it’s your line manager, your partner, or a mentee who looks up to you. Step into their version of your leadership for a while. Sometimes “faking it” is just rehearsal and before long, you may find you’ve grown into it.

When All Else Fails

Come back to your purpose. When outcomes feel uncertain and self-belief is shaky, your values and long-term vision are your most reliable anchors.

The Outer Work: Leading When Your Confidence Is Low

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz also said, “One of the fundamental aspects of leadership is the ability to instill confidence in others when you yourself are feeling insecure.” [6]

That’s not about pretending but staying grounded enough to steady others, while you work privately on restoring your own confidence.

Leaders who acknowledge struggles are often seen as more authentic and relatable, which can strengthen team trust and engagement. But be careful not to overshare. [7]

Uncertainty Masquerading as Low Confidence?

It’s easy to take a dip in confidence at face value, but sometimes what you’re really dealing with is a lack of clarity.

A few simple check-ins can help you spot what’s really going on and steady yourself with practical action.

Practical Confidence-Building Plan

Focus Area

Prompt

Action

What’s one small, visible win I can get this week?

Communication

What’s a conversation I’ve been avoiding that could bring clarity?

Self-belief

What’s one strength I can lean into that reminds me, “I’ve got this?”

Confidence and Resilience Go Hand-in-Hand

Confidence is easier to rebuild when you’ve laid the groundwork in steadier times.
Psychologist Susan David describes “emotional agility” as the ability to face emotions (especially doubt), courageously and constructively.

Instead of ignoring discomfort or being ruled by it, agile leaders pause, name what they’re feeling, and choose their next step with intention. [8]

A short daily check-in (asking, “What’s going on for me right now?”) can quickly strengthen that muscle.

Other Long-Term Habits That Support Confident Leadership

Try these approaches to help build resilience and restore your confidence levels:

• Reflect regularly. Notice what’s working (and why) to stay grounded when things get tough.
• Prioritize sleep. Fatigue messes with perspective. A good wind-down routine might be the most underrated leadership tool you have.
• Keep learning. Even a short burst of micro-learning (like an episode of the Mindtools podcast Pain Points) can stop your mindset and confidence from stalling.
• Ask for feedback. Regular input builds trust and helps feedback feel normal rather than personal.
• Identity-based confidence. When results are uncertain, focus on the bigger picture – your unique leadership style and the qualities you consistently bring, even in challenging moments.

What’s Worth Remembering

When your self-esteem is suffering, it’s good to remind yourself that:

• A dip in confidence is not a sign of failure; it simply means you’re human.
• Even the most experienced leaders question themselves. You’re in good company.
• Confidence isn’t permanent; it’s something you practice, lose and rebuild over and over.
• Your self-belief doesn’t need to be at full strength all the time; just solid enough at its lowest ebb to act with intention and reconnect with the leader you already are.

Confidence Is a Practice, Not a Trait

When and if you feel your self-belief falling away, remember that confidence is dynamic; it can be rebuilt.

And it’s not that leaders can never waver, they learn to lead themselves through it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do confident leaders ever feel insecure?

Yes. 71 percent of CEOs experience impostor syndrome. Confidence is not constant; even top leaders face self-doubt.

What causes confidence dips in leadership?

Triggers include public setbacks, burnout, role changes, feedback, and personal stressors – often subtle but cumulative.

How can I rebuild confidence at work?

Use self-compassion, reframe setbacks as learning, reflect on past wins, and act with purpose even when unsure.

Can I lead effectively without full confidence?

Absolutely. Honest, grounded leadership builds trust – even when you’re still working through your own doubts.