Warner Baxter, Chairman, President, and CEO of Ameren Corporation, often said, “Leadership is a contact sport.” It’s a powerful reminder that real leadership requires direct engagement—being present, building relationships, and providing guidance that people can trust.
Several years ago, in a conversation about coaching sports, with Shawn Schukar, Chairman and President of Ameren Transmission Company, he shared something that stuck with me: “Teach confidence they can make the play.” That’s what great leaders do. It’s not just about giving instructions; it’s about empowering people to step up and deliver when it matters most.
A perfect example of this principle played out during a Portland Trail Blazers playoff game on April 25, 2003. Natalie Gilbert, a 13-year-old singing the national anthem, froze and forgot the lyrics in front of thousands of fans. What happened next was a true demonstration of leadership. Coach Maurice “Mo” Cheeks walked over, put his arm around her, and started singing along. His calm, steady presence gave her the confidence to push through and finish strong.
And here’s what makes that story even better—just recently, Natalie returned to the Moda Center and delivered a flawless national anthem performance. Coach Mo Cheeks, now an assistant with the New York Knicks, was there to witness her triumphant return. The power of genuine leadership leaves a lasting impact. It’s about giving people the confidence to rise to the occasion and do their best.
The Balance of Safety Leadership
In safety leadership, knowing how to build confidence is critical. It’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered to make the right decisions and speak up when something’s wrong. Whether it’s stopping work over a safety concern or reporting a near miss, employees need the assurance that they can act without hesitation.
But confidence doesn’t come from rules alone. It’s built through engagement, honest conversations, and letting people know you’ve got their back. When mistakes happen, great leaders don’t just criticize—they turn those moments into opportunities for growth and improvement.
Just like Coach Cheeks supporting Natalie, effective safety leadership means being there when it matters most, offering guidance, and reinforcing the right actions so people feel confident and prepared.
3 Tips to Teach Confidence as a Leader
- Lead by Example:
Show your team what confidence looks like. Make decisions calmly and with purpose, even under pressure. Your actions set the tone.
- Recognize Effort and Growth:
Acknowledge not just success but the effort and progress people make along the way. Building confidence is about celebrating improvement and resilience.
- Turn Mistakes Into Learning Moments:
When things go wrong, offer constructive feedback and guidance. Encourage people to get back in the game and try again with more confidence.
The Bottom Line
Leadership is a contact sport. It’s about being engaged, teaching confidence, and knowing when to push and when to encourage. The result? A safer, stronger workplace where people feel empowered to act decisively and effectively.
Author:
Chuck Twellmann, MS, PE, PMP, Manager Transmission Construction Services, Ameren
Health & Safety Committee Chair
