Ever wonder if you’re making the impact you want as a leader? You’re not alone—many managers feel have moments of uncertainty, even with their successes. These feelings are normal and don't define you. Your unique strengths can lift you up, helping you lead with confidence and inspire your team. Engaged teams boost performance by 25% (CIPD, 2023), managers shape 70% of that engagement (Gallup, 2023). Strengthify’s 2025 Engagement Insights Report shows how developing your strengths can turn uncertainty into opportunity, creating thriving teams. Let’s explore vibrant, strengths-based steps to ignite your leadership journey.
What Are Moments of Leadership Uncertainty and Why Do Managers Feel Them?
Moments of leadership uncertainty arise when you question your impact, feeling you might not fully belong in your role, despite your skills. A CIPD survey found 70% of professionals experience this, including managers. In the public sector, high expectations and diverse team needs can trigger these moments, especially with 82% of managers lacking formal training (CMI, 2023a).
Telltale Signs
- Questioning your leadership impact.
- Aiming for perfect decisions.
- Crediting successes to luck.
- Feeling the weight of expectations.
Spark of Wisdom: These moments pass—your potential shines brighter.
How Manager Support Fuels Team Success
You’re the spark for your team’s energy, weaving recognition, clear communication, and shared purpose to create a workplace where everyone thrives. Strengthify’s insights show that training transforms uncertainty into leadership magic, easing stress and fostering loyalty. Programs like Strengthify’s Management Development Programme (MDP) empower you to inspire a vibrant, connected team.
3 Practical Steps to Build Confidence
These strengths-based exercises help you embrace your leadership gifts and energise your team.
1. Celebrate Your Wins: Keep a Strengths Journal
Documenting your strengths and successes anchors your confidence, inspiring your team.
How to Try It:
- Spend 10 minutes noting three strengths with from a Strengths Assessment tool (e.g., empathy, planning).
- Jot down one moment you shone (e.g., “I supported a team member with empathy”).
- Revisit weekly to plan how to amplify your impact.
- Keep it close for tough days.
Why It Works: It highlights your unique value, what fills your cup and fuels you..
2. Seek Feedback: See Your Impact
Feedback reveals how your strengths shine, fostering trust and easing uncertainty.
How to Try It:
- Ask 2-3 colleagues, “What’s one strength you see in my leadership?”
- Use tools like Google Forms for anonymity if needed.
- Tie responses to your CliftonStrengths profile.
- Thank them and act on insights.
Why It Works: External perspectives boost your self-view, as in Building Trust Between Managers and Employees.
3. Reframe Challenges: Lead with Strengths
Turning obstacles into opportunities by using your strengths lifts your team’s spirit.
How to Try It:
- Choose a challenge (e.g., managing workloads).
- Pick a strength (e.g., strategic thinking).
- Write: “My strategic thinking will streamline this workload.”
- Act and track wins.
Why It Works: It shifts focus to possibility, per The Manager’s Guide to Positive Problem Solving.
Real-World Win: A Public Sector Team’s Breakthrough
A public sector manager faced moments of uncertainty, questioning their leadership impact. By embracing strengths-based tools, they found a language to articulate their value, boosting their confidence and team morale. “Focusing on strengths gave me clarity,” they shared. The team grew more cohesive, proving how strengths can overcome uncertainty and spark engagement.
Smooth Your Path
Short on time or feeling hesitant? Small steps make a difference:
- Busy Schedule? Journal for five minutes or ask for feedback in a meeting.
- Nervous? Start with one trusted colleague.
- Uncertainty Lingers? Celebrate small wins to build momentum.
Ignite Your Leadership Today
Your strengths are your superpower, ready to guide you to lead with confidence. Try journaling, seeking feedback, or reframing a challenge this week to amplify your impact. Ready to shine? Discover your strengths by joining our Management Development Programme to master skills that unite teams. Let’s make your leadership a journey of impact and joy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are moments of leadership uncertainty?
They’re times when you question your impact, feeling you don’t fully belong in your role, despite your skills.
How can strengths help?
Leaning into your unique gifts boosts confidence and inspires teams. Explore What is a strengths-based approach.
Why is manager development vital?
Training empowers managers to foster motivated, loyal teams, easing stress and sparking success.