Today’s workplace is often marked by high competition, creatively challenging, adjusting to ever-changing customer demands, and even the constant advancements in technology. As a result, room for trying out new plans, or even self-doubt can be very limited. Even with this tight situation however, confidence is a very important skill set for employees of today’s work landscape – Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, leading a team, or tackling new challenges, having confidence (one of the pivotal career tools) in yourself and your abilities can significantly impact your success.
Here are some strategic career tools to help you build and maintain confidence in today’s workplace:
Set Clear Goals
Before starting a career, it is expected that there are certain goals and milestones you want to achieve, these goals are the pointers to what kind of success you get to enjoy in the space. Outlining clear, achievable goals provides a roadmap for success and boosts confidence by providing a sense of direction and purpose.
Another simpler way of doing this is to break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate each milestone along the way.
Develop Your Skills
Confidence is not an inherent personality, but a skill that can be learned and acquired through practice. The catch here is that improving one’s self-confidence will have a positive impact on your soft skills and the impressions you leave at your workspace. Psychology Today explains that “Projecting confidence helps people gain credibility, make a strong first impression, deal with pressure, and tackle personal and professional challenges.”
Continuously investing in your professional development enhances your competence and confidence at work. Opportunities for learning and skill building like formal training programs, workshops, or even self-directed learning initiatives can help you feel more self-assured in tackling challenges.
Practice Self-Compassion
According to the BBC, people aged 18 to 24 are reportedly the least confident compared to other generations, with only 43 percent feeling confident in their workspace position compared to 59 percent of Millenials, Gen Zs , and Baby Boomers.
A major factor for this is the lack of self-compassion, where we treat ourselves with less kindness and understanding, especially during times of difficulty or self-doubt. It is helpful to remember that everyone experiences moments of doubt and insecurity, and you’re not alone in your journey.
Seek Feedback and Support
The majority of employees report having expectations around training for workplace satisfaction — a Gallup 2021 survey of more than 15,000 US workers shared by the Business of Fashion found that 61 percent of employees said upskilling opportunities are an important reason to stay at their job. Despite this, fundamental training is still lacking in key areas like managing a team. For example, 58 percent of managers said they hadn’t received any management training in a study by jobs platform Career Builder.
Constructive feedback from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and reinforce your strengths. Monthly or quarterly performance assessment can also be a way to seek feedback on your performance, and also a tool for growth and development.