Tips on Building Confidence
Two Questions to Help You Lead Confidently
Confidence is a key ingredient in leading effectively. Unfortunately, sometimes it's easier to know your weaknesses than your strengths. Ask yourself these two questions to help find your self-confidence:
- What do you do well? Make a list of your strengths. These items are not the same as the accomplishments on your resume — they are what made those accomplishments possible. How will your strengths lead you to future success?
- Why should people follow you? Look at situations where you mobilized yourself and your team to face a particularly tough challenge. Why did people believe in your ability to get things done and trust that you were the one to follow?
Adapted from"To Lead More Effectively, Increase Your Self-Confidence" by John Baldoni.
Know When to Confront Someone
When someone shows up late to a meeting or makes a comment that makes you uncomfortable, it can be difficult to decide if it's a big enough deal to address or if you should let it go. In situations like these, try using the "rule of three." The first time someone does something that makes you uncomfortable, take notice of your discomfort. The second time, acknowledge that the first time was not an isolated incident and that there may be a pattern emerging. The third time it's time to speak up. Tell the person that you've noticed something three times and you want to discuss it with him. This simple rule can both help you determine what's worth raising and hold you back from jumping on every single issue.
Adapted from"When to Confront Someone: The Rule of Three" by Peter Bregman.
Confront the Top Three Excuses for Not Speaking Up
Whether you are a senior staff member or brand new to a job, it can be difficult to speak up when you see something wrong. However, not doing so can have deleterious consequences for your company, and your career. Here are the top three rationalizations for keeping silent and how to confront them:
- It's not my job. You don't have to be a seasoned staff member, an expert, or have formal authority to raise a flag. Doing the best thing for the company is always your job.
- It's not a big deal. If you're telling yourself that, it probably is a big deal. Instead of downplaying the severity of the issue, focus on trying to find a resolution.
- It's standard practice. Even if your company has always done it a certain way, if it's creating a problem now or in the future, challenge the status quo.
Adapted from"Keeping Your Colleagues Honest" by Mary C. Gentile.
Three Tips for Getting Out of Your Boss' Shadow
Keeping your boss happy is an important tactic for building your career. But sometimes being a good subordinate leaves you in your boss' shadow. It's difficult to move up in an organization if you are consistently thought of as part of your boss' team and not as an individual contributor. Try these three approaches for standing out on your own:
- Get in front of others. Request opportunities to present your work in front of senior managers. Be clear about which accomplishments are a result of your efforts.
- Build your network. Drop in on people in their offices; go out for lunch or coffee; let them know what you are doing and how you can help them. Ensure that they see you apart from your boss.
- Plan your next career move. Know what you want to do next and ask other people at your company about potential opportunities.
Adapted from"Stepping Out of Your Boss' Shadow" by Gill Corkindale.
Four Ways to Reduce Stage Fright
Butterflies in the stomach, waning confidence, sweaty palms -- even people who regularly present in front of audiences get stage fright. You may not be able to eliminate your fear completely, but below are four ways to help you handle the symptoms:
- Focus on your audience. Pick a person in the crowd and speak directly to him. Then find another person and deliver your next message directly to her.
- Re-label negatives as positives. Instead of considering your symptoms of stage fright an indication of nerves, think about them as signs of anticipation or excitement.
- Avoid rigid rules. Don't be overly focused on what makes a good presentation. There are no set rules.
- Remember that you don't look that nervous. Research shows that self-assessment of presentations is often overly harsh. If you assume you look calm and relaxed to your audience, you will.
Adapted fromGuide to Persuasive Presentations.
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