Support Builds Confidence

by Jon Close

Jul 27, 2026

As people grow in skill, they often reach a stage where they can perform but may lack confidence.

At this point, leaders shift from directing to supporting-less focus on telling what to do and more on active listening, encouraging and involving them in decisions.

Supportive leadership involves listening, encouraging, involving team members in decisions.

Ken Blanchard emphasizes that people develop confidence when leaders show trust and belief in their ability.

Support strengthens ownership Ownership strengthens performance.

This Week's Practice

Encourage someone who is capable but hesitant.

This week:

Ask for their ideas
Invite them into decision discussions
Affirm their growing capability.

Confidence often grows when leaders step back slightly.

DISC Insight - Building Confidence

D - Dominance

Slow down enough to listen to others' ideas.

I - Inspiring

Encourage participants while maintaining clarity.

S - Support

Use your natural encouragement to strengthen confidence.

C- Cautious

Invite others to contribute ideas rather than solving everything yourself.

Bottom Line:

Confidence grows when leaders show trust in people's ability.

Encourage Risk and Learning

Growth requires stepping beyond familiar territory. Yet many people hesitate to take initiatives because they fear making mistakes. Empowering leaders create environments where learning is valued more than perfection. John C. Maxwell reminds us that evaluated mistakes often become our greatest teachers in leadership development. The goal is not avoiding every mistake, but learning from every e...

Coaching Develops Capability

Once people begin gaining skill, they often need encouragement. This stage requires coaching leadership - a balance of direction and support for people who are gaining skill but building confidence. Leaders continue providing guidance while also encouraging confidence and engagement. Ken Blanchard reminds us that coaching leaders help people understand both the task and their growing ability t...

Leaders Create Growth Environments

People grow best in environments that support development, and leaders shape that environment. Where learning is encouraged, mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, and progress is recognized, people become more confident and capable. John C. Maxwell teaches that leadership development thrives in environments where growth is expected and supported, not accidental. A healthy leadership...