Hi, Scott - another interesting and useful post:)

I have had my self-confidence dented, smashed, and ground into little bitty bits on various occasions in my working and personal life.  If I am completely honest, I have also done more than my fair share of denting, smashing, and grinding in this respect.  You are correct that this is unfortunately a common experience for all of us.

I think your list of leader behaviors and attitudes is comprehensive and valuable - one of those things we print out and tape to our bathroom mirror to remind us how to relate to each other every day.

I would comment that this self-confidence thing has another component:  Ourselves.

Since self-confidence has to do with self-concept, it is ultimately an internal phenomena that exists in our brain.  As Eleanor Roosevelt apparently said "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent".   Given this, we have to factor in our own responsibilities in this regard.

Ego plays a role from the manager's or leader's behavior here, but it can also set us up for being "dented".  I think your point 5 addresses this very directly.

Enjoyed this post, which made me think this morning, which is what we are all after:)

John