A strong desire to succeed in your career is crucial, and when that desire is coupled with robust confidence, your career success and achievements will begin to take flight.

However, recent research has revealed that there is a 'confidence-crisis' in today’s workplace.

According to the Online Recruitment Resource:

• 32% of employees are afraid of expressing their own ideas
• 29% of employees said they lack confidence in client meetings
• 27% of employees said they lack confidence when working closely with a superior
• 20% of employees consider themselves ‘a push-over’
• 20% of employees have missed out on a promotion because of their lack of self-belief

Building professional confidence can be achieved through patience, hard work, and a commitment to improving yourself. These six steps will help you steadily and effectively grow more assertive and confident each day:

1. Understand and accept where you are

Before you can begin to build confidence, it’s important to understand why you may experience feelings of doubt, fear, hesitation, and uncertainty. Everyone encounters these feelings at some point in their careers, so take some time to navigate when and why these feelings emerge for you.

Once you have a firm grasp on your experiences, accept where you are. As you begin to develop confidence, remaining positive and understanding of your feelings is key.

2. Discuss your feelings and goals

Do you have a teacher, friend, family member, or mentor that you trust and can confide in? Schedule time to talk with him or her – grab a cup of coffee, go to lunch, take a walk in the park, etc. – about what you’re experiencing.

You’re likely to gain great insight about how he or she built confidence and overcame doubt and uncertainty.

3. Increase your knowledge

Building confidence in the workplace can be achieved by becoming an expert in your field and, ultimately, your specific position.

Attend seminars, watch webinars, stay up-to-date with industry trends, communicate with peers, and get hands-on training. John Brandon, contributing editor for Inc.com, notes that confidence grows when you act on what you know.

4. Step out of your comfort zone

Actively seek opportunities – professional or personal – to step out of your comfort zone and gain new skills, try something new, and meet new people. These acts of growth will help you stretch your mental capacity, boost your confidence, and tackle fear head-on.

5. Believe in yourself

To steer your career and life in a direction of high accomplishment, performance, and purpose, you must completely believe in yourself and your abilities. Foster positive thoughts, set realistic goals, surround yourself with positive, like-minded colleagues, and set time aside each night to reflect on the day.

6. Become a mentor

Going through your own journey of building confidence makes you a great resource and mentor to classmates and colleagues looking to boost their professional confidence. Remain open and inviting to create a positive change in your immediate workspace and in the lives of your colleagues.

 

Are you ready to build superior confidence? Your OBC instructors want to help you achieve your professional potential. Let them know how they can help you build unrivaled workplace confidence.