Leading Well | How to Walk in Humility and Confidence as a Leader

I make it a goal to regularly assess my leadership posture. This refers to the way I show up each day, not just for the role I hold, but also for the overall way I interact with others. My leadership posture involves my heart, mind, and soul. Questions like, “How am I leading?”, “Are the people under my leadership thriving?”, and “How do I want to be remembered as a leader?” All of these questions are important to ask and answer.  

I love that two things can be true at the same time. We can be humble and confident leaders. It’s easy to think that these character qualities are mutually exclusive. If we are humble, then we can’t be confident. Or, if we are confident, how can we be humble?  

I am thankful that Jesus offers the perfect example of humility and confidence. He washed the disciples’ feet, yet boldly proclaimed truth. He withdrew to pray, yet stood before His opposition. Philippians 2 teaches us that Jesus’s humility did not diminish His confidence—it revealed it. 

Humility 

Webster defines humility as “freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble.”¹ Jesus came to this earth, lived a perfect life, and died in our place. He demonstrated freedom from pride or arrogance. His life was defined by one humble act after another.   

I am sure you have heard the teaching that reminds us that true humility is not thinking less of ourselves; it is thinking of ourselves less. It is an honest awareness of our dependence on God. Micah 6:8 reminds us that God requires us to “walk humbly” with Him—an invitation to daily surrender rather than fall into the trap of self-promotion, self-sufficiency, or self-focus. 

Humble leaders recognize that every gift and leadership opportunity is entrusted to them by God. Humble leaders listen before they speak, learn before they lead, and repent quickly when they mess up. Humility keeps our hearts teachable and our leadership accountable. 

I wonder if you can think of leaders who demonstrates humility in the way they lead and serve others? What is it about their leadership posture that sets them apart? For me, a humble leader stewards God-given opportunities so that God is honored and others are encouraged and equipped. This results in an unmistakable kindness that is genuine.  

Confidence 

Webster defines confidence as “faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way.”² Biblical confidence is not rooted in personality, position, or performance. It flows from trusting God’s presence and power at work within us. Confident leaders are anchored in God’s calling, even when the outcome feels uncertain. 

This kind of confidence frees leaders to make hard decisions, speak truth in love, and step forward in faith. It is quiet, steady, and resilient—unshaken by the noise we encounter in leadership. (The applause of people or criticism of others!)  

Jesus faced the cross with confidence. Luke 9:51 states, “When the days were coming to a close for him to be taken up, he determined to journey to Jerusalem.” The New International Version states that “Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” I love this description of Jesus!  

I wonder if you can think of leaders who demonstrate confidence in how they lead and serve others? What is it about their leadership posture that sets them apart? For me, a confident leader is powerfully connected to God. When this leader speaks or leads, it comes with a strong sense of direction that God has imparted. There is clarity, focus, wisdom, and tangible next steps that flow from a desire and willingness to trust God and His plan. This leads to a level of surrender that knows we are living for God’s glory and the accomplishment of His will, no matter what. 

Practical Ways to Cultivate Humility and Confidence 

So, how can we cultivate humility and confidence in our leadership posture? Here are a few steps that help me stay grounded, focused, and accountable.  

• Seek God daily as you invite the Bible to shape who you are and how you live. I remind myself often, “If my life is not being led by God, His Word, and the Holy Spirit, I do not need to lead others.”    

• Surround yourself with humble and wise people who are rooted in Christ and living out their calling. Welcome accountability into your life. Leaders are not exempt from tough questions about our decisions or motives. In fact, we should hold ourselves to a higher standard because our decisions impact others. I encourage you to find a trusting circle of fellow believers and be “all in” with them.  

• Support and celebrate the gifts and successes of others without comparison. This is huge! If you struggle to celebrate, promote, and help others, there is a good chance that your leadership is not reaching full potential. Our struggles can come from different places in our lives. It might be a wrong motive, or it might be a feeling that we can’t catch a break in our leadership journey. So, when we see others succeed, it feels like a threat. When this happens, and it can happen to any of us, reframe or rest your vision. Remember, the “win” is kingdom impact, kingdom advancement, and everyone walking in godly confidence and humility. Don’t be afraid of God’s sanctifying work in this area of your life. In fact, chase it down. Do the work so you can walk in freedom. As you support and celebrate others, your leadership influence will grow!   

• Step out in obedience, even when you feel inadequate or unsure. Faith develops and grows as we walk in obedience to God and His Word. Humble and confident leadership takes the next step of faith and then gives God the glory for the outcome!  

For His Glory and the Good of Others 

Biblical leadership requires a beautiful tension: we are called to walk humbly before God while leading with courage, clarity, and conviction. When rightly ordered, humility grounds our confidence, and confidence leads to our humility.  

Let’s remember and celebrate that our leadership journey is not about building our name or influence—it’s about reflecting Christ. A humble and confident leader points beyond themselves to the goodness and greatness of God. As we lead from this posture, we create space for God to work in and through us for His glory and the good of others. 

About Andrea Lennon

Works Cited

1. Merriam-Webster, s.v. “humility,” accessed February 19, 2026, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humility.

2. Merriam-Webster, s.v. “confidence, accessed February 19, 2026, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confidence.