We hear a lot about confidence in leadership. We’re told to stand tall, make decisions with conviction, and never second-guess ourselves. But here’s the catch: unchecked confidence can easily slip into arrogance. On the other hand, there’s humility—equally important but often misunderstood as a weakness. What if the real magic happens when we combine the two? Enter: confident humility, as author and professor Adam Grant calls it.

The Balancing Act

Imagine walking a tightrope. On one side, you’ve got confidence, keeping you steady and forward-moving. On the other side, you’ve got humility, keeping you grounded and aware of the ever-present possibility of falling. Confident humility is that balance, and it’s not easy. But when you master it, you become a leader who isn’t just respected—you’re someone others genuinely want to follow.

You see, being confidently humble means acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers—and that’s okay! It’s the realization that your team, your peers, and even your competitors may have insights that can help you lead better. You’re confident enough to take the reins and make tough decisions but humble enough to recognize when you need help. That’s what true leadership looks like.

Confidence: Knowing Your Value

Let’s talk about confidence first. It’s not just about showing up like you own the room (though sometimes, that’s part of it). Confidence is knowing your value, understanding your strengths, and recognizing your ability to make a difference. It’s having faith in the hard work you’ve put in and trusting your skills.

But here’s where a lot of leaders get it wrong: they think confidence means they can never be wrong. Spoiler alert: nobody’s perfect. Even the best leaders make mistakes. Confidence, when paired with humility, allows you to own those mistakes, learn from them, and bounce back stronger. That’s where true growth happens.

Humility: Embracing Growth

Humility, on the other hand, isn’t about shrinking yourself or deflecting praise. It’s about recognizing that leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about surrounding yourself with the smartest people and helping them thrive.

Humility makes you approachable. It opens you up to new ideas and different perspectives. A humble leader listens more than they speak, because they know that growth doesn’t happen in an echo chamber. Humility allows you to admit when you don’t know something, but confidence pushes you to find out.

In this dance between confidence and humility, you create space for continuous learning and improvement. And, let’s face it, nobody likes a leader who thinks they’ve got it all figured out. The best leaders are constantly evolving.

The Two Working Together

Confident humility is about embracing your role as a leader without letting it go to your head. It’s about owning your decisions while remaining open to feedback. It’s being able to say, “I don’t know, but let’s figure it out together.”

When leaders embody confident humility, they inspire their teams to do the same. They create environments where people aren’t afraid to speak up, share ideas, and take calculated risks. And when those risks don’t pan out? A leader with confident humility doesn’t place blame—they find solutions.

Think of it this way: confidence is your engine, propelling you forward, while humility is your compass, ensuring you’re headed in the right direction. Without both, you either stall out or lose your way.

Wrapping It Up

So, how do you practice confident humility? Start by recognizing your strengths—but also your limitations. Stay open to learning from those around you. Seek feedback, and be willing to adjust course when necessary. Most importantly, remember that leadership isn’t just about leading—it’s about serving those you lead.

Confident humility isn’t just a leadership tactic; it’s a mindset. It’s the secret to building not only successful teams but also strong relationships. And at the end of the day, it’s the kind of leadership that leaves a lasting legacy—one built on trust, respect, and continuous growth.

So, next time you’re faced with a challenge, ask yourself: Am I confident enough to lead and humble enough to listen? If the answer is yes, you’re already on the path to exceptional leadership.