Take your career to a new level when you build your self confidence with these great tips …
Build self confidence at work and take your career to the next level. Even the most confident of people have been plagued with self-doubt at one time or another in their career. However, confidence is fundamental for career development and advancement so you must find ways to get over your mental building blocks. Here are 7 tips to improve self confidence, boost your self esteem and become empowered in the workforce.
Dress for success
Have you ever heard the saying ‘that you should dress for the job you want, not for the job you have’? If you believe that you look the part, this will help you feel the part and pay dividends in your confidence levels. By putting more thought into your work wardrobe and overall presentation, this will create a statement and not a question about your work abilities.
Fake it until you make it
You may think you are exuding confidence but your body language may tell a different story. Standing tall, a firm handshake, a warm smile and speaking clearly and authoritatively can make a huge difference to how you are perceived by others. Be conscious of how you sit, how you stand, how you use your hands and legs and the image you are projecting.
Come prepared
When you have practised your PowerPoint presentation over and over again, done advanced research before a meeting or prepared questions for a conference, this will show in your delivery which will be a lot more self-assured and confident. It is quite acceptable to jot down notes which you can refer to in meetings. Being prepared will not do wonders for your self esteem but also impress your colleagues and clients.
Be punctual
As well as being prepared, make sure you have given yourself enough time to go to a onsite or travel to an offsite meeting. Ten minutes before the start of the meeting is ideal so you can network with other attendees. When you are punctual and prepared, you will be less flustered, more in control and this will boost your confidence levels.
Ask for feedback
A lack of confidence can sometimes derive from insecurity about your position or unfamiliarity with a new project. Constructive feedback can help you assess whether you may need further education and training. By asking for feedback, you are not only showing your supervisor your continued interest in the company but you will feel more secure and happier in your position as a result.
Surround yourself with positive people
This is sometimes easier said than done in a workplace but try your best to avoid naysayers and toxic and negative people at work. Instead surround yourself with positive and supportive people who will try and enhance your self believe. You want to be able to learn from the movers and shakers of the company and find out what makes them successful and build your self confidence.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Confident people are not afraid to take calculated risks, challenge themselves, and volunteer for new projects. By doing this, there is always the risk of failure but you can learn from these experiences, improve your confidence and take your career to the next level. It’s best not to strive for perfection and don’t be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes and grow from them.
By increasing your self confidence and workplace happiness, this will no doubt have a positive and cumulative effect on your colleagues and improve your workplace as a whole. You may not feel confident straight away but these tips will build your confidence over time and not only possibly fast track your career but make you feel happier in and out of work.