In leadership spaces, a lot of attention is focused on cultivating external traits that demonstrate strength: aggressiveness, energy, charisma, and dominance. However, leaders that truly go the distance and reach their full potential must possess quieter, inner strengths to fuel long-term success.

Three crucial inner strengths leaders need are self-confidence, self-criticism, and self-control.

Self-Confidence

A true leader possesses a wealth of self-confidence. This is not to be confused with outward displays of bravado or dominance. Instead, it is an inner strength that suffuses every part of a leader’s work with trustworthiness and integrity.

A self-confident leader knows that no matter what happens, they can weather the storm. When assessing risk, they tap their external and internal resources, make a decision, and move forward. They are secure in the knowledge that they made the best decision with the facts available at the time, even if the outcome is imperfect. Their team knows this as well.

Self-confident leaders can also integrate feedback without having an identity crisis, which leads to the second inner strength: self-criticism.

Self-Criticism

While self-confidence is key, so is self-criticism. A capable leader with healthy self-criticism is aware of both their strengths and constraints and acts accordingly. The goal is not to be outwardly self-deprecating, criticizing oneself in an effort to seem approachable. Truly self-critical leaders can maintain their authority while also making it clear that they are open to authentic feedback from peers, subordinates, and mentors alike. In fact, they seek out such feedback in an effort to constantly improve.

Another protection offered by self-criticism is narrative clarity. A leader who is unable to accurately assess their own constraints–either by being too hard on themselves or by blaming others for their own shortcomings–is unable to effectively synergize team strengths and bring about top tier outcomes.

Self-Control

Self-control is one of the most important inner strengths a leader can possess. A leader can have all the self-confidence and self-criticism in the world, but without self-control no other traits can be effectively wielded.

Self-control dictates how a leader responds under pressure, both to their own team and to the public. It boosts communication skills by building in a pause before actions are taken or words are spoken. Self-control also allows a leader to hear difficult feedback and accept it with openness. They can then take the time to deliberate whether or not the feedback deserves action.

Many leaders are taught to “strike while the iron is hot.” They are encouraged to be the first to speak, the most likely to take a risk, and the last one in the office at night. All of these things have their place, but without self-control, a leader cannot determine when it may be wise to listen first, avoid a risky venture, or model work-life balance.

Find your inner strengths

This list of inner strengths is just a starting point. If you’re a leader who knows you need work in one or more of these areas, Teamalytics can help. For three decades we’ve partnered with executives, coaches, military generals, and other leaders at the top of their game to help them unlock the next level of success by turning inward. Our proprietary analytics and expert coaching can equip you with the skills you need to experience longevity at the top of your field.

A leader is only as good as the team they lead. Take the first step toward greatness today by assessing your current team dynamic with our free A-Team Scorecard.