Every leader needs a measure of confidence to lead. Humility in leadership is not talked about nearly as much, even though it is one of the most important qualities a leader can have. 

Is it possible that in seeking confidence we fail to realize just how important humility in leadership is? The good news is that leaders do not have to choose one over the other, because humility is actually the characteristic that will open doors to confidence. 

It is important to note what humility is not. Humility is not looking down on yourself; it is not a poor self image. Humility is not self-deprecating remarks or beating yourself up. 

Humility is acknowledging that you are not the smartest person in every room; you recognize that you have a lot to learn. Humility is owning your mistakes and failures, and turning them into opportunities to learn. With humility, you seek someone who can teach you. With humility, you seek a coach who can guide you in the areas in which you need to grow.

As I write this piece, we are wrapping up a Leadership Bootcamp for Women in Ministry. We designed this online workshop with four modules that focus on some foundational pillars of leadership:

• In Module 1, we look at what it takes to earn credibility as a leader so that others will trust our leadership. 

• In Module 2, we explore having the courage to lead, even in the presence of fear. This includes identifying your value system and guarding your mindset. 

• In Module 3, we address the importance of clear communication, which is vitally important when we are having difficult conversations. 

• In Module 4, we share some of the qualities of both a confident leader and a humble one. When we do, this reasonable question usually surfaces: “Is it even possible to be confident and humble at the same time?” 

The answer is “Yes,” and it all begins with your identity. 

Think about how we tend to identify ourselves. Hi, I’m Jane Doe. I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. I am a Christian. I am a children’s minister with a degree in ministry, and I have 10 years experience. 

This common self-introduction puts us in the context of our relationships. It also indicates how we spend our time and what or who is important to us. 

However, your true identity—who you are at your core—is that God loved you into existence. You were affirmed by Him before you had an education. You were approved by Him before you had achieved anything. You were his beloved before you had any expertise or experience. God’s love for you was established before you were given a title or a role or any responsibilities. 

Before you had done a thing, God loved you. God approved of you. You are His. That is your identity. 

Here is the significance of this truth. Once you understand that your identity is grounded in God’s love, you are free to take risks, to grow and learn from your mistakes, and to try and fail because the outcome will not affect your identity in Him. 

As you read my summation of a confident, humble leader, you will see how the qualities of humility open the door for confidence. 

A confident, humble leader is a woman who is grounded in God’s faithful and persistent love. Her confidence is in Him, in the gifts He has given her and what He is calling her to do. Because she is on assignment from God, she sets clear boundaries for her time, practices self-care, guards her mind, listens well, takes risks, asks for help, sees mistakes as learning opportunities, and celebrates victories. 

In humility, she practices self-reflection because she is committed to continuous improvement. She values collaboration. She recognizes her strengths and weaknesses, and she accepts constructive feedback. She admits and accepts responsibility for her mistakes. She credits others and looks for opportunities to help others. 

As a result of her confident, humble leadership, grounded in her identity in God, and living into her value system, her consistency has earned her credibility in the workplace. Her approachability and relatability have created a culture of inclusion and belonging. Employees are motivated to share ideas and work harder. She inspires great teamwork and focuses everyone on organizational goals. 

As a confident leader, she is humble, teachable, coachable, and willing to learn.This sounds like a leader I want to work for.This sounds like a leader want to be.