Some things in life are certain, such as chores and taxes, as well as work. Most people need to work, whether casually, part-time, or full-time. We all have bills to pay, responsibilities to attend to, and the cost of living to grapple with, which is why working is a must for billions of people around the world.
When you don’t feel particularly confident at work, it can stop you from fully embracing the workplace culture, contributing your unique ideas and perspectives, and developing positive relationships with your coworkers. In short, a lack of confidence isn’t helpful to you or the company.
This article will discuss self-confidence in the workplace – what it is, why it’s important, where a lack of confidence might stem from, and some tips on building up your self-confidence. So, if you’re interested in this topic, continue reading to learn more.
What is Self-Confidence, and What is it at Work?
Self-confidence is your capacity and ability to believe in yourself, back yourself, and appear to be confident and in control at work. It is also your belief in your abilities. Your self-confidence may wax and wane depending on the situation that you find yourself in. For instance, in some settings you may appear more confident and in control when compared to others.
When it comes to work, your self-confidence is incredibly important. It is your capacity and ability to perform your duties at work with confidence, appearing calm, in control, and capable of performing your duties. Someone who is self-confident at work will appear to approach each task and complete it without breaking a sweat. In contrast, someone who struggles in this area may become anxious, worried, or not believe in themselves or their ability to perform their duties effectively.
Why Self-Confidence is Important at Work
Self-confidence is crucial at work because it allows you to effectively communicate your ideas, take on challenges and new projects, handle pressure, and build positive relationships with colleagues. Ultimately, those with self-confidence at work will perform better in their roles, leading to career growth opportunities and increased job satisfaction. Conversely, a lack of confidence can hinder your performance, prevent you from voicing your opinion, and limit your ability to reach your full potential in the workplace.
Where Does a Lack of Confidence Stem From?
Some people lack inherent self-confidence for a variety of reasons. A lack of confidence can often stem from a combination of factors, including adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, family violence, schoolyard bullying, or lack of support from parents. Others may make comparisons to others, particularly on social media, and develop poor self-confidence due to this. Also, poor academic performance, various stressful life events, body image issues, perfectionism, procrastination, fear of failure, and a lack of positive reinforcement for achievements can lead to issues with confidence. Essentially, low confidence can be rooted in how you perceive your abilities and sense of worth concerning your environment and experiences.ย
How To Build Self-Belief at Work
The next few sections of this article will share some practical tips on building confidence and self-belief in the workplace.
Set Goals for Yourself
One way to build self-belief and confidence at work is to set achievable goals. For instance, a social worker who lacks confidence could learn more and develop this by attending events such as forums and conferences in their field of work or furthering their education by pursuing a Master of Social Work qualifying online. Similarly, a marketer might set out to complete an MBA while also attending networking events.
When designing a career goal to build self-belief and confidence at work, you should keep the SMART acronym in mind. This stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound. It is the gold-standard framework for goal-setting, both in the workplace and in life in general.
For instance, if you want to build your public speaking skills at work to grow confidence, you might set a goal to present at a team meeting or company event. You may set a period for this, such as within three or six months.
Reflect on Your Achievements at Work
Another way to build up your self-confidence and self-belief at work is to reflect on your past achievements. Chances are that you’ve achieved something in your role, whether it is closing a deal, supporting a client extremely well, producing an excellent resource, or helping to train a new staff member. It may be worth writing a list of your achievements, and when you’re feeling those pangs of self-doubt and unworthiness, reading through your list of achievements gives you a boost and a sense of meaning and purpose at work.
Ask for Feedback and How to Improve
It could be worth checking in with your supervisor and asking for feedback and areas for improvement. By getting your boss’s input into your performance, you can identify gaps in your professional skillset and room for growth. This may tie in well to setting professional goals like we’ve described above. Sometimes, we can’t see our blind spots, so seeking feedback and being open to improving is an excellent way to build up your sense of self-belief and meaning in your work.ย
Make a List of Your Strengths
We all have strengths in the workplace, so it’s important to write down a list of these similar to your achievements. You may be an excellent writer, editor, or proofreader. You might excel at Excel spreadsheets or be a gun graphic designer. By listing your strengths, you’re helping yourself to build up that sense of self-confidence and self-belief at work.
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