Managing our confidence levels is especially important in the beginning of our careers when we are first starting out and trying to prove ourselves. But inevitably, it is an ongoing process at any point of our careers.
How do some of the global leaders who have ‘made it’ think about confidence?
Ellen MacArthur one of the world’s top offshore sailors had to overcome her fears and uncertainties to achieve her dreams. Growing up in a landlocked county of England she didn’t seem to belong to the elite and highly competitive world of sailing.
But the first time she saw a sailing program on TV, she knew that this is what she was meant to do.
She felt that she belonged to that world because she had a passion for sailing and knew that she absolutely wanted to be an accomplished sailor.
CEO Lynn Elsenhans had the best education she could get, but still had to overcome her insecurities of being a woman in an male dominated industry. When she started her career at Royal Dutch Shell in Houston, she was the only woman in an office of fifty men.
But whenever she felt insecure, she drew on her educational background from Harvard MBA and applied mathematic at Rice.
Having a clear direction and a solid education are parts of a bigger picture of building confidence for the long-term.
Here is check list for helping you boost your confidence:
Direction + Goals
Get clear on your goals and what you want to achieve. It’s easier to be act and feel confident when you where you’re headed.
Experience + Education
Get detailed about your education and experience wherever you can. On your profile, or in an agenda before a big meeting.
Assignments
Take on bigger assignments so you can learn and develop. Stretch your abilities.
Teams + Relationships
Develop others. Confident leaders make others comfortable about their abilities. Make others feel confident by believing in their capabilities.
Networking
Develop business relationships from other industries and organisations. Information and connections are still invaluable.
Promotions
Push, pull and plan for your promotion. Have the courage to take on a job you don’t feel ready for instead of holding yourself back.
Skills
Ensure that you have the right skills to achieve your goals. Increase awareness about your strengths, and how to leverage them.
Executive Presence
Learn how to communicate effectively, especially when faced with unexpected questions (Read more)
Image:
Alamy, Demi Moore in A Few Good Men, 1992.