The “Hot Shot Rule” To Help You Become a Better Leader | Kat Cole | TED Confidence is built through action: Confidence is not a prerequisite for taking action; rather, it's the result of consistent action. Taking action, even small steps, builds confidence over time. It's the repetition of actions that drives confidence and allows for learning and growth. Overcoming Complacency: A key challenge to building confidence is complacency. We often become blind to our own progress and fail to push ourselves even when things are going well. The ability to push past this complacency and take action, even in good times, is crucial for continued growth. The Hot Shot Rule: This technique involves regularly reflecting on one's role, envisioning someone you admire in your position, identifying one thing that person would do differently to improve the situation, acting on it within 24 hours, and then communicating that action to those involved. This process fosters accountability and encourages proactive behavior. Example of the Hot Shot Rule in Action: The speaker provides examples of how she applies the Hot Shot Rule in various aspects of her life, including her roles as a mother, daughter, and CEO. This includes actions like flying to meet a business partner to hold them accountable, apologizing for past mistakes, reaching out to loved ones, and stopping unproductive company initiatives. Regular Practice is Key: The effectiveness of the Hot Shot Rule lies in its consistent application. The speaker initially practiced it quarterly, then monthly, and now weekly, dedicating a specific time each Sunday. This consistent practice has resulted in significant personal and professional growth. Benefits of the Hot Shot Rule: Consistent use of the Hot Shot Rule leads to taking at least 52 actions annually that might not have otherwise occurred. It builds a reputation for taking action and vulnerability, making others more likely to bring challenges to the speaker. Ultimately, this practice has transformed the speaker's life and is presented as a tool for significant personal and professional growth. The Power of Action: The core message emphasizes the power of intentional action, reflection, and a proactive approach to overcome complacency and achieve growth. It encourages viewers to break free from past patterns and actively work towards improvement. The speaker encourages the audience to ask questions that motivate action and to build confidence through consistent, deliberate action. Regularly practicing the "hot shot rule" offers several benefits, as explained in the YouTube video , , , , . It leads to taking actions you might otherwise avoid, resulting in improvements across various aspects of your life. For example, it can improve personal relationships, such as strengthening family bonds ( ) and showing appreciation to loved ones ( ). Furthermore, the practice fosters professional growth by prompting actions that improve business performance and accountability ( , ). It cultivates a culture of vulnerability and proactive action within teams, encouraging others to bring issues forward ( ). The speaker emphasizes that this isn't just about reacting to challenges, but proactively seeking improvement even during positive times, combating complacency ( , ). Over time, consistent application leads to a significant number of actions taken that otherwise wouldn't have been ( ). The speaker also notes that the hot shot rule builds confidence through consistent action, rather than the other way around ( ).