How the Right Frameworks Turn Fear into Confidence | Craig Denison

What if you're not a bad leader—just using the wrong blueprint? Craig Denison shares how practical tools and mindset shifts can turn anxious new managers into confident, empowered leaders.

 

Craig Denison is the creator of 90 Day Leader, a framework-based leadership development program designed to help new and accidental managers lead with confidence, without burning out. He's also a former team member of Patrick Lencioni’s Table Group, and a firm believer that leadership is more about clarity and humility than charisma.

 

 

Last week we talked about why great team meetings aren’t about structure, they’re about trust. This week, we’re digging into what happens when you don’t feel like you fit the “leader mold” and how to build confidence anyway.

Have you ever felt like you just weren’t cut out to be a manager? Like you don’t have the charisma, confidence, or presence that a “real” leader is supposed to have? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not wrong for feeling that way.

In this episode, Craig Denison shares how the internal archetypes we build of what leadership should look like often stop us from showing up as ourselves—and what to do instead. Whether you’re introverted, unsure, or unexpectedly promoted, this conversation will help you let go of the pressure to be “the boss” and start leading in a way that feels good and actually works.

We cover:

• What makes leadership feel like a burden (and how to shift it to a privilege)

• Why humility and self-awareness matter more than confidence

• Two practical tools you can use TODAY to become a more empowered leader

Key Takeaways

• Most new leaders aren’t trained, they’re just promoted. Frameworks help fill that gap.

• Trying to mimic a “perfect” leader archetype makes leadership harder (and less effective).

• Humility is the shortcut to peace, progress, and better team performance.

 

 

Guest & Additional Links

Learn more about Craig’s work at https://90dayleader.comFollow Craig on LinkedIn: Craig Denison

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Buy the book - Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead

New manager tips, how to delegate, building trust as a leader, how to hold, employees accountable, managing conflict, executive presence, how to stop feeling overwhelmed as a manager, imposter syndrome in leadership, how to lead a team meeting, cohesive teams, how to fix a toxic culture, high-performing team, team building for new managers, difficult employees, having hard conversations as a leader, how to get promoted into leadership