Building Leadership Presence: How to Lead with Confidence and Respect
Leadership isn’t just about having a title—it’s about how you carry yourself, how you communicate, and how you earn the trust of those around you. Whether in sport, business, or life, leadership presence is what makes people take notice and follow your lead. It’s a skill I’ve been developing, and it’s one that every aspiring leader should work on.
Here are three early lessons I’ve learned about building leadership presence:
1. Don’t Be Shy—Your Voice Matters
There’s a reason you’re in the room. Your skills, knowledge, and perspective have value, so don’t hesitate to speak up when necessary. That doesn’t mean being the loudest voice in the room just for the sake of it—there’s real power in listening and observing. But when you do share your opinion, do so with confidence and conviction.
I’ve been learning this first-hand while participating in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings. In high-level discussions, it’s easy to sit back and let the more vocal personalities take over. But I’ve realised that my perspective is valid, and by contributing, I’m not just adding value—I’m also reinforcing my own leadership presence.
Confidence is built through practice. If speaking up feels uncomfortable, start with smaller contributions and work your way up.
Listening is just as important as speaking. A great leader knows when to step back and absorb different viewpoints before making decisions.
Your perspective is unique. No one else has your exact experiences—share them with confidence.
2. Double Down on Your Strengths
As a leader, you don’t need to be great at everything—but you need to know what you excel at and lean into it. Your strengths are what will earn the trust of those around you. At the same time, leadership isn’t about pretending to have all the answers. If there’s something you struggle with, you have two options: improve quietly in the background or surround yourself with people who can fill that gap.
This is something I’ve learned throughout my diving career and now as I step into leadership roles. My strengths in discipline, preparation, and focus are what allow me to lead by example. Meanwhile, I’m constantly working on the areas where I want to grow, whether that’s communication, delegation, or strategic thinking.
Leverage what makes you unique. Your strengths are what separate you from others—use them to your advantage.
Outsource your weaknesses. No leader does it alone. If there’s something you’re not great at, find people who are.
Stay humble. Acknowledging areas for improvement doesn’t make you weak—it makes you a stronger leader.
3. Be Firm but Fair
With leadership comes responsibility. Authority isn’t about dictating—it’s about making fair decisions, setting clear expectations, and maintaining respect. A leader who is too lenient risks losing authority, while one who is too harsh risks losing trust. The key is balance.
I’ve found that in high-performance environments, being too fair can sometimes work against you. It’s important to set boundaries and hold people accountable while ensuring they still feel valued. I’m learning to be more assertive without crossing the line into being overly strict. It’s a fine balance, but one worth mastering.
Respect is earned through consistency. People trust leaders who are fair, transparent, and consistent in their decisions.
Firmness doesn’t mean being harsh. You can set high expectations while still being supportive and encouraging.
Lead with empathy. Understanding the people you’re leading will make you more effective in guiding them.
Shifting Your Mindset: The Leadership Presence Challenge
Building leadership presence isn’t about being the loudest, the smartest, or the most dominant person in the room. It’s about showing up with confidence, staying true to your strengths, and leading in a way that earns respect and trust.
If you want to develop your leadership presence, start by reflecting on these three questions:
Do I confidently share my perspective when it matters most?
Am I leading with my strengths while working on my weaknesses?
Do I balance authority with fairness in a way that earns trust?
If any of these questions made you pause, then it’s time to start working on your leadership presence.
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to leadership? Let’s talk in the comments. And if you found this helpful, share it with someone who might need a little leadership inspiration today!