Confidence
Do you have a hard time voicing your thoughts at work even when you want to?
You are not alone.
What I have observed in my coaching practice and what research also shows, is that we all experience lack of confidence in some area at work, regardless of our role, our gender, or how many years of experience we have. Yes, that’s right, even a CEO or VP can experience multiple moments of self-doubt or lack confidence in leadership. As leaders rise in their careers, opportunities to validate their thoughts and decisions decrease as their circle of trust becomes smaller. Senior leaders are expected to display a confident demeanor in their interactions with others, and because of this they feel more pressure to be perfect and to deliver. When a leader lacks the ability to display confidence, it can undermine their ability to effectively lead their team.
When we enter our careers we believe that tenure equals wisdom, that those who are more experienced or have been with the organization longer know better, therefore we feel our ideas are not good enough.
When we are deep into our careers we may find ourselves saying “Am I ready for this promotion?”, or second guessing ourselves, “Am I being overly sensitive?”, “Are my ideas good enough?”, “Why aren’t they listening to me?”
This month’s Leadership Confidential has resources to offer you strategies to overcome any crisis in confidence you may be experiencing. You can’t always stop yourself from feeling the way that you do, but building awareness, reframing situations, practicing in low-stakes environments and taking action before you are ready are just a few ways to build your confidence and resilience. The important thing to remember is that your lack of confidence is not an inherent flaw, and these limitations don’t have to define you.
Confidence CAN be learned and practiced.
“Confidence is the most beautiful thing you can possess.” — Sabrina Carpenter, actress and singer
READ
Read time - 3 min
10 Steps You Can Use to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
“People who don’t feel like impostors are no more intelligent or capable than the rest of us. The only difference between them and us is that during that same situation that triggers an impostor feeling in us, they think different thoughts.” So the only way to stop feeling like an impostor is to stop thinking like an impostor.
(Mic drop!)
WATCH
Watch time - 13 minutes
How to Build Your Confidence - and Spark it in Others
"Confidence is the necessary spark before everything that follows," says educator and activist Brittany Packnett. In an inspiring talk, she shares three ways to crack the code of confidence.
LISTEN
Listen time - as long as you want!
Spotify playlist - Confidence Booster
If you are in need of a confidence boost, music will get you motivated! Here is a playlist I put together of songs that bring a pep back into your life, make you feel empowered, and get you motivated to take that action that you have been afraid to take. Let me know what you think, and if you have a song to add to this playlist, hit reply and let me know!
INSPIRATION
Confidence and Imposter Syndrome are one of the main topics that I worked on with one of my clients. Here's one quote from A Leader Unleashed: An inspiring story how someone built their Confidence!
"Salima has been invaluable in my development and growth as a leader. Salima’s coaching sessions have allowed me to find the confidence, structure and discipline I need to impact my organization and move my team forward. When I first approached her for coaching, I was battling imposter syndrome and a lack of clarity around my leadership voice. In weekly sessions over the past year, Salima has guided me to find the frameworks and tools needed to overcome those obstacles and succeed in my role. For anyone looking for a leadership coach, Salima brings an openness, expertise and generosity to each session and customizes her approach to every conversation. I would highly recommend Salima to anyone looking to thrive as a leader within their organization."
- Graeme Owens, EVP and Country Manager, Keypath Education Canada
As a coach, I challenge and encourage my clients to surpass their barriers and gain their leadership voice. If you're ready to develop your confidence and reach your goals, click HERE to book a complimentary coaching session with Salima Valji!
