Show Them Their Superpowers: How Great Leaders Build Confidence During VUCA Storms
In times of uncertainty, people often look to leaders for answers. But what they really need is reassurance. Not just that things will be okay…but that they have what it takes to face the challenges ahead.
In VUCA conditions (when volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity are swirling), it's tempting to step in and take control. To fix. To protect. To do for others.
But here’s the truth: The best leaders don’t shine the spotlight on themselves. They shine it on others.
Leadership Isn’t About Being the Hero
There’s a saying I love: “To inspire and guide others, don’t show them your superpowers. Show them theirs.”
That small mindset shift makes a big difference, especially during chaos. When you try to carry everyone or make all the decisions, you become a bottleneck. Worse, you rob others of the chance to build confidence and capability.
But when you coach, support, and empower others to lead themselves through the storm, they grow. And so does your team.
VUCA Can Shake People’s Confidence
Uncertainty messes with our thinking. It stirs up self-doubt, second-guessing, and fear of failure. You may notice:
🌟People holding back when they normally speak up
🌟Resistance to taking action without “all the information”
🌟Low energy or disengagement
🌟A need for constant reassurance or validation
These aren’t signs of laziness or lack of skill. They’re signs of disorientation. This is when your role shifts from solving problems to restoring belief and confidence.
Help Others Reconnect with Their Inner Strength
You don’t have to give a TED Talk or stage an intervention. Sometimes the most powerful leadership moments happen in quiet, one-on-one conversations.
Here are a few ways to help others rediscover their superpowers:
⭐ Remind them of past wins. For example, “When you led that project last year, you handled a lot of unknowns and did it well.”
⭐Reflect their strengths back to them. For example, “I’ve always admired how you stay calm when things get messy. That’s a real asset right now.”
⭐ Ask empowering questions such as, “What’s one thing you can influence today?” or “If you were feeling confident, what would you do in this situation?”
⭐Model belief. Instead of saying, “Let me handle it,” try saying: “I know this is tough, but I also know you can figure it out. Let’s talk through your plan.”
Leadership is a Mirror, not a Megaphone
Your job isn’t to broadcast your brilliance. It’s to hold up a mirror so others can see theirs.
In times of change, people don’t need a superhero. They need someone who sees their potential even when they forget it themselves.
Confidence isn’t something you give to people. It’s something you help them find again.
Try This
Think of someone on your team, in your circle, or even in your personal life who’s facing a tough situation.
⭐What strength have you seen in them that they may not see right now?
⭐ How could you reflect that back to them this week?
A single comment spoken with belief and clarity can be the turning point in someone else’s storm.