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What Makes You Confident? A Teen Leadership Coach’s Perspective

Writer's picture: Lorraine ConnellLorraine Connell

Confidence—it’s a word that carries so much weight, especially for teens. It’s the spark that fuels decisions, the courage behind standing up for what you believe, and the assurance that lets you try something new without fear of failure. But for many teens, a lack of confidence can feel like an insurmountable barrier, keeping them from reaching their full potential.


As a teen leadership coach, I’ve worked with countless young individuals who initially struggled to find their footing. What makes me confident in my work is seeing how leadership coaching can transform a teen’s mindset, helping them increase their confidence and discover their inner strengths.


Let’s explore how coaching helps teens embrace confidence, overcome self-doubt, and lead boldly.


Understanding the Lack of Confidence

Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand the roots of low confidence. Teens face immense pressure from academics, social media, and peers. These influences can make them doubt their abilities and hesitate to take on leadership roles or pursue opportunities.


Leadership coaching addresses this lack of confidence by creating a safe space for teens to identify their strengths, embrace their uniqueness, and recognize that confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.


How Leadership Coaching Increases Confidence

  1. Self-Awareness and Reflection Leadership coaching begins with helping teens understand who they are. Through guided activities and reflective conversations, they identify their core values, strengths, and areas for growth. When teens know what makes them unique, they’re more likely to believe in their abilities.

  2. Skill Development Confidence often grows when teens feel prepared. Leadership coaching focuses on developing essential skills like communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. These tangible tools empower teens to navigate challenges with poise and resilience.

  3. Overcoming the Fear of Failure Many teens hesitate to take risks because they’re afraid of failing. A leadership coach provides strategies to reframe failure as a learning opportunity. This shift in mindset can increase confidence, encouraging teens to step out of their comfort zones.

  4. Celebrating Small Wins Confidence doesn’t happen overnight. Leadership coaching emphasizes celebrating small victories along the journey. Each success, no matter how minor, reinforces a teen’s belief in their ability to achieve larger goals.


Building Confidence Through Leadership Experiences

Building confidence doesn’t have to start with big, bold moves—it can be nurtured through small, intentional acts that lay the foundation for growth. Simple actions like offering a genuine compliment, practicing gratitude, helping someone in need, or trying something new can spark a sense of accomplishment and connection.


One of the ways to increase confidence is by giving teens real opportunities to lead. Leadership coaching often includes group activities or projects where teens can practice their skills in a supportive environment.


By working together with peers, teens learn to trust their abilities and contribute meaningfully to a team. This collaboration fosters a sense of belonging and reinforces that their voice matters—a critical element in building confidence.


A group of teens doing community service - picking up liter

Why Confidence Matters

Confidence isn’t just about feeling good; it’s a vital component of leadership. Teens with confidence are more likely to:

  • Speak up in group settings.

  • Make informed decisions without second-guessing themselves.

  • Handle setbacks with resilience.

  • Build strong, healthy relationships.


These are skills that extend beyond school, preparing teens for lifelong success in academics, careers, and personal endeavors.


Final Thoughts

What makes me confident as a teen leadership coach is seeing the transformation that happens when teens embrace their potential. Leadership coaching is more than teaching skills—it’s about unlocking confidence, resilience, and self-belief in every teen.


If your teen struggles with a lack of confidence, know that they’re not alone. With the right guidance, they can discover the leader within and face challenges with courage and determination.


Are you ready to help your teen increase their confidence and thrive? Explore our leadership coaching programs at Peers Not Fears and give your teen the tools they need to succeed.

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