Why confidence changes your life in the workplace

Is your lack of confidence holding you back in professional settings? Learning how to speak and present confidently can change your life in the workplace, helping you become more assertive and a stronger member of your organisation. Why is self-confidence such a game changer?

Getting credit for your ideas and work

If you lack the confidence to speak up, your ideas may not be heard. Worse, they may be heard but from someone else. Nothing cuts quite as deeply as watching someone else take the credit for an idea you commented about one-on-one, but didn’t have the confidence to bring up in a meeting or with the head office. Increasing your confidence can lead to being able to speak up when you have a good idea, and claim the credit owed to you if your plans are put into motion. This can mean the difference between yourself or your co-worker rising up the career chain.

Do you have a coworker or superior who always seems to excel, leaving yourself in the shadows? It can be hard to get ahead if you are seen as non-confrontational. What is really a desire to simply be part of a smoothly running team can be seen as a weakness if you fail to demonstrate a desire to get ahead or a willingness to stand up for yourself. A difficult boss or colleague doesn’t have to mean a change of employment. If you boost your confidence levels, you can learn how to defuse situations without backing down or playing a placating role.

Getting a pay rise or promotion

Many employers don’t give out pay rises or promotions to worthy employees simply because the employee never asks. Lack of confidence can lead you to undervalue your work and make you think you don’t deserve more. I’ve found that when I clearly identify goals, and document how I achieve them, my confidence levels go up. I can then take my documented successes upstairs for a conversation about adequate compensation for my efforts and my value to the organisation as a whole. These negotiating skills work in day-to-day life, too.

Becoming a leader in your organisation

People naturally are attracted to and led to follow confident people. If you don’t display confidence but are in a position of authority, you can find it hard to convince people beneath you to follow your lead. By working on your confidence, you can grow your own trust in yourself and in turn gain the trust of your team. I became a leader not when I was appointed one, but when I started acting like one. Communication is key!

Presenting with clarity and conciseness

Does your work description include presenting concepts, briefings, finished work product or case studies to your organisation’s executives or outside parties? If you don’t have confidence, these presentations can feel like torture. By investing in yourself and building confidence in your speaking skills and presentation abilities, you can make yourself an even more valued member of your organisation.

Saying “No” when needed

Sometimes the best thing confidence can do for you is help you say “No.” I used to be the one who thought always saying “Yes” meant I was showing initiative and that I was willing to give 110%. As it turned out, I was just making myself the office drudge, and no-one respected me for it. If you are the person who always ends up working extra hours, taking on tasks no-one else wants, and neglecting your personal life or family while everyone else has work/life balance, you need the confidence to say no.

Are you ready for your voice to be heard, to get credit for your ideas and work, and to reap the rewards of your labor? Talk to ICML today about more information and advice on our “Speaking with Confidence” training programs.


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