Leigh A. Burgess, CEO, Bold Industries Group, Inc.
The world of business today is extremely competitive, and to stand out from the crowd, leaders need to have the courage to be bold. Boldness in leadership is about taking risks, making tough decisions and charting new courses for the company. It’s about being fearless in the face of uncertainty and being willing to trust your instincts.
Boldness has played a transformative role in my life and career, empowering me to step into new opportunities and drive professional growth. By embracing boldness, I have been able to break free from self-doubt and fear, unlocking doors that I once thought were beyond my reach. Being bold is why I was able to start my company, Bold Industries Group, Inc., during one of the most tumultous times of our lives in 2020.
1. Inspire confidence and trust.
Leaders who are bold inspire confidence and trust in their employees, customers and stakeholders. They give their teams the courage to take risks and experiment, which can lead to greater innovation and creativity. Bold leaders are not afraid to take a stand, and this can create a sense of purpose and passion in the workplace. I’ve found employees are more likely to follow a leader who is confident and decisive and who believes in their vision.
2. Be willing to take risks.
Leaders who are bold are not afraid to take risks and make tough decisions—even if it means facing uncertainty and potential failure. The ability to take risks and learn from mistakes is crucial for business success. It can lead to innovative ideas that can differentiate a company from its competitors and create new markets.
For leaders, feeling confident in taking risks is crucial for driving innovation and growth. Here are a few tips that can help.
• Embrace a growth mindset: Adopting a growth mindset means viewing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement.
• Build a supportive environment: Foster a culture that encourages pragmatic risk-taking and learning from mistakes. Create psychological safety within your team, where individuals feel comfortable taking calculated risks and sharing their failures without fear of judgment or retribution.
• Assess risks and rewards: Take the time to evaluate the potential risks and rewards associated with a decision. Conduct thorough research, gather insights and consult with trusted advisors to make informed decisions.
• Start small: Begin by taking smaller, thoughtful risks and gradually increase the level of challenge. This approach allows you to build confidence and resilience along the way.
3. Adapt.
Leaders who are bold are adaptable and can navigate through unpredictable situations. They know how to adjust their strategy and tactics to fit changing circumstances while remaining focused on their long-term goals. They are not afraid to make difficult decisions that may require them to pivot or change direction. Bold leaders understand that change is constant and that the ability to adapt is critical for long-term success.
For example, when I started my business, I encountered a challenge that required me to be adaptable; the challenge was specific to my signature consulting offering and how to make to it understandable to my potential clients. At first, I felt disheartened and unclear about the next steps.
Instead of dwelling on the setback, I quickly shifted my mindset and approached the situation with adaptability. I made the decision to pivot my business strategy and product offering. This led to improved engagement and increased sales.
4. Challenge assumptions.
Leaders who are bold challenge assumptions and question conventional wisdom. They are willing to challenge the status quo and search for better ways of doing things. They encourage their teams to think outside the box and challenge long-held beliefs.
By challenging assumptions, bold leaders can identify new opportunities and solutions that may have been overlooked. This mindset can help a company stay ahead of its competitors and adapt to changing market conditions.
5. Be authentic.
Leaders who are bold are authentic and transparent. They are not afraid to speak their minds and stand up for what they believe in. They are honest with themselves and others, even when it is uncomfortable. Being authentic can help leaders build trust with their employees, customers and stakeholders. It can also encourage open communication and collaboration in the workplace, leading to greater innovation and creativity.
For example, a moment of authenticity that stands out to me came when my company embarked on a journey to scale our operations sooner than expected. We recognized that scaling comes with its own set of challenges and potential pitfalls. To navigate this critical phase successfully, I chose to be open and authentic with our team. I encouraged everyone to share their concerns related to scaling. This approach allowed us to tap into the collective wisdom and experience of our employees.
How can leaders cultivate boldness?
I think being bold is essential for success in the world of business. Being bold is not about being reckless or impulsive but about having the courage to take calculated risks and make tough decisions. Leaders who cultivate this trait can differentiate themselves and their companies and create the conditions for long-term success.
Embracing boldness starts from within. Self-awareness and self-confidence are the roots from which boldness blossoms. To cultivate these, make it a habit to step outside of your comfort zone and face challenges head-on. Each hurdle you overcome will fortify your confidence.
To nurture boldness, be clear about your vision. What are you striving for? Your conviction will be the compass guiding your bold decisions. Connect with like-minded individuals who support and believe in your potential; their belief will fortify your own.
However, remember that boldness isn’t about acting recklessly or without thought. Boldness shines when it’s used to make the right decisions, even when they’re the toughest ones.
As for leaders feeling uncertain or lacking confidence, know that courage often whispers rather than roars. Confidence is like a muscle; it strengthens with practice. So, take one bold step at a time, and remember to celebrate every small victory along your journey!
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