Many women tend to feel insecure at work. And unfortunately, the struggle with insecurity has stopped many of us from going after a promotion, asking for a pay rise and from sharing brilliant ideas with the management team. Truth is, being a woman in the corporate work environment can be tough. You might have dealt with an intimidating boss or regretted not speaking up, at times when you should have. Additionally, feelings of inadequacy and constantly feeling the need to prove yourself can turn out to be a major obstacle for your performance and success at work as well.
Luckily, the good news is that there are a few things you can do to help you come off more poised and boost your confidence at work.
Identify your strengths and weaknesses
One of the major reasons why you might be feeling insecure about your work is that you’re probably focusing more on your weaknesses than your strengths. And what you focus on is eventually what you will attract. If you’re constantly reflecting on what you’re not doing so well, you lose track of the things you’re actually great at. And that does not mean that you shouldn’t be aware of your own short-comings – However, instead of dwelling on it, try to improve on it. If needed, ask for training or seek guidance and support from your manager or colleagues in the work-related areas you’re not so sure about.
Ask questions
No one EVER knows it all – Whether you’re new at your job or a seasoned employee, no matter what stage you’re at in your career, you’re never going to have all the answers. And that’s absolutely okay. So when you’re feeling insecure or uncertain about anything, don’t feel shy to ask questions.
Ask for feedback
Asking your colleagues or the people you closely work with for feedback is a great way to boost your confidence. It helps you understand the areas you’re successful in and the areas where there is room for improvement. It also demonstrates that you’re willing to learn and that you’re open to receiving constructive criticism. Another useful thing about asking for feedback is that you can have a second pair of eyes double-check your emails or work before this goes out to, for example, an important client.
Own your mistakes
Owning your mistakes, especially when at your new job can be quite frustrating. You’re already trying to prove yourself to the team and making a mistake might come across as if you’ve been careless. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not the first to make a mistake at work and you probably won’t be the last. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s important to let go, move and learn from those mistakes. Feelings of ‘doing everything perfect’ will only lead to stronger feelings of inadequacy when you can’t seem to meet your own standards.
Take notes
Whether you’re going for a conference or having a meeting with your colleagues or a client, always make sure you’re taking notes. Research shows that when we write down information, we tend to have a higher chance of remembering that information accurately. Of course, you will have your notes to refer back to… However, when we write something down, research suggests that as far as our brain is concerned, it’s as if we were doing that thing. In other words, writing seems to act as a kind of mini-rehearsal for doing. For that reason, writing down information or taking notes can help boost your confidence as well. It might essentially make you feel more secure and prepared to take on a task.
Celebrate your achievements
Another important and sure way to boost your confidence at work is to celebrate your achievements. Did you nail an important client meeting? Or did you just launch a successful marketing campaign? Pause… and take the time to acknowledge your success. And most importantly reward yourself for it. There is nothing wrong with reflecting on your successes – A job done well is always a good confidence booster.
What are some of the things you have learned to do to boost your confidence at work? Let us know in the comment box below.
