Hi, Will

Excellent post on a fascinating aspect of leadership competence ... if we do not have confidence in ourselves, why should anyone else?

All your points are valid and well-stated, but the one which really resonated with me was when you pointed out the importance and impact of our environments.  Who we hang around really does make a difference.

As a young leader, I sought out those who were most like me.  Whether in a military, academic, or business environment, I wanted to be with others who saw the world as I did and who would reinforce my perceptions.

That is OK, up to a point.  However, when I was forced by circumstances or structure to interact with and depend on others who were NOT just like me, that I grew in my own confidence.

Part of this was because I was now forced to support and defend my beliefs, rather than have them reinforced without any effort.

Thank you for a thought-provoking and interesting post:)

John