Are you a Belief Builder... or a Belief Thief?

What’s the secret to great comedy? Timing.*

The secret to great leadership?

Belief.

Not just your own - but your ability to build belief in those around you.

Belief in what’s possible.
Belief in our ability to get there.
Belief in myself.
Belief in my team.

Belief is the oxygen of leadership.

Without it, people still show up. They tick boxes.
With it, they lean in, stay longer, give more of themselves.

As a leader, you are always shaping belief - for better or worse. 

You’re either breathing oxygen into it… or sucking it out. There’s no neutral.

Think about the last time you shared an idea and someone shot it down. Oxygen gone.

Now think about the leader who spotted a strength in you before you did. Their belief carried you further.

Belief isn’t just about the work. It’s about people’s belief in themselves:

• Do they believe their ideas matter?
• Do they believe they’re trusted?
• Do they believe they can grow into the role?

Every word. Every look. Every response. You’re shaping belief.

The only question is: which way are you tipping the scales?

All of which is easy to agree with here in the sheltered protection of a blog post. So how do you put this into practice - not just in theory, but in the daily moments that matter?

Come out from behind your ‘to do’ list. When I’m racing through tasks, I know I can become a Belief Thief - treating every interaction as an obstacle to my progress. In those moments, I try to step back and ask myself: “what possibility could this conversation open up?”

Catch your inner Belief Thief: Notice when your own self-talk sounds like “That’ll never work” and swap it for “What’s possible here?”

Borrow belief: When you’re feeling wobbly, tune into sources of inspiration (books, podcasts, time to journal) or lean on someone who strengthens belief in you, until you find your footing again.

Spot strengths in others out loud: Tell people what you see in them, especially the strengths they can’t yet see in themselves. “I really admire that way you…” or “Thank you for…”

Ask possibility questions: Instead of shutting an idea down, try: “What would it need to look like for that to work?”

Celebrate progress, not just outcomes: Show people the steps they’ve taken matter, not just the finish line.

Lend belief in the tough moments: Say, “I know this feels hard — and I genuinely believe we will get there.”

This week, take some time to notice: are you building belief or stealing it?

Until next time,
Simon