Ambition and confidence are the two great drivers of career success – but what do you do if you lack the latter?
The common denominator of all successful professionals is confidence - particularly within media and entertainment where social skills are paramount and the ability to favourably represent the strength of your company’s brand is key.
Of course, without talent and experience the chances of success are practically nil. But confidence and ambition are crucial to climbing the career ladder in any highly competitive industry.
To some people, confidence comes naturally. But if you lack courage when it comes to your career – don’t fear. Feigning bravery at work will reassure others of your capabilities, and with each success you will begin to believe your own hype. Here are our top tips for giving yourself a confidence transplant:
- Fail to prepare – prepare to fail: Arriving to a meeting five minutes early or thoroughly researching a prospective client before an appointment will not only give you a psychological boost, but it will also prove practically useful. Being prepared and able to answer difficult questions on demand will make you appear competent and reliable.
- Think about the good times: When a task seems daunting envisage your previous successes – even if they are not connected to your professional life - and the sense of pride you felt once you had accomplished them. Getting into a ‘can-do’ mind-set does wonders for your confidence levels.
- Don’t get stuck in a rut: Never let low self-esteem get in the way of career progression. Think about where you want to be and what you have to do to make it happen. Apply for positions that interest you, get out there and network and display your determination. Successful people get where they want to be by taking risks that others shy away from – who’s to say you can’t do the same?
- And finally, don’t mistake confidence for cockiness: Arrogance is an undesirable trait. But being quietly assured of your strengths and capabilities will enable you to flourish professionally and realise your ambitions.
What’s your top tip for building confidence at work? Let us know by commenting below.