Want to feel more confident at work? Here are four steps you can take today!
Do you sometimes feel stuck in your role, unsure of how to take the next step in your career? Are you holding back great ideas because you lack the confidence to share them?
Often if you work in communications you might have to speak up when you’re in a room with senior stakeholders or convince someone to take a different approach when they have limited communications understanding. It can be tough and requires confidence to get it right.
Confidence is a muscle you can learn to flex over time. Here are my tips on how you can make it strong!!
You know more than you realise - You’ve got the qualifications and technical skills—now it's time to own them! Things that might seem simple or obvious to you aren’t to others that aren’t immersed in communications like yourself. When you present an idea or approach, talk about why you recommend going about something in a certain way. It will show people you know what you’re talking about!
Practice Makes Perfect - Confidence often comes from preparation. If you have a presentation or meeting, rehearse your points. This practice will make you feel more prepared and less anxious.
Speak Up in Meetings - Start small by voicing your opinion on less controversial topics, or with people you feel most comfortable with such as your immediate team. Gradually, you'll feel more comfortable sharing your ideas on more significant issues. Remember, your perspective is valuable!
Create a Support Network - Identify colleagues who can offer constructive feedback and encouragement. Your manager is a great person to debrief with after meetings where you’ve tested speaking up. It’s also a great idea to let them know that you want to build this skill so they can support you along the way.
Remember, confidence is a journey, not a destination. By taking these small, actionable steps, you'll find yourself growing more confident over time. You’ve got this—your inner communications guru is just waiting to be unleashed!