How would you like to lead a critical meeting, have a difficult conversation or give a talk with greater ease?
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| Where are YOU on the confidence scale? |
One of my clients was told she had to fill in at the last minute for her boss who was expected to make an important presentation to the executive board.
What would you do?
If you’re like many people, you might do any of the following:
- Suddenly become “ill”
- Immediately think about how inadequate you feel or unprepared you may be
- Worry about how others might perceive you
- Picture the worst case scenario
Wouldn’t it be great if you could rise to the occasion and welcome the opportunity?
Build Confidence — Here are three keys to boost your confidence level:
1. Visualize yourself succeeding.
While you can’t predict every aspect of a future experience, you can anticipate a positive outcome. Trust that you will do your best under difficult circumstances.
The goal is NOT perfection. It’s simply to achieve the desired outcome.
Anticipate any difficulties or objections so you can see yourself addressing them. Expect something out of the blue to challenge you — even if you can’t anticipate it specifically. When the incident happens, you’ll consider it part of the plan, as opposed to being rattled.
2. List the reasons you’ll succeed.
Make a mental list of any skills, qualities or past experiences that would lead you to believe you will handle the situation with confidence.
Note: If you’re having trouble making your list, contact a mentor, friend or coach who can provide positive feedback and reinforcement. Often the smallest amount of reinforcement can boost your confidence in a big way.
As one manager stated, “I’d forgotten that I was thrown into a similar difficult situation a couple of years ago, so I know I can handle this one.”
3. Practice.
Practice what you want to say — even if it’s simply an opening statement. Practicing will give you a greater sense of control. Don’t over-rehearse.
As you practice, you’ll be better prepared when reality hits. You’ll feel like you’ve mastered the situation before.
It’s easy to practice a speech, but it may be more challenging to practice having a one-on-one conversation that is sensitive or critical. Find someone with whom you can role-play. Know your key points.
Feeling uncomfortable in sensitive situations is normal for leaders at all levels. Trust you’ll say what needs to be said — and that you’ll respond appropriately.
Your Thoughts and Actions
How you choose to think determines how you act.
Taking action builds your confidence.
As a leader, you’ll experience many opportunities to build your confidence. Those opportunities often come in the form of fear or uneasiness.
Don’t let fear paralyze you. Keep moving.
Building your confidence helps you build your business.
What shakes your confidence?