What do you do if your assertiveness and confidence as an Operations Research professional need a boost?

2 Set realistic goals

Another way to boost your assertiveness and confidence is to set realistic and attainable goals for yourself and your projects. You can use the SMART criteria to define your goals, which means they should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By setting realistic goals, you can avoid setting yourself up for failure or disappointment, and instead focus on achieving small wins and progress. You can also track and celebrate your achievements, and use them as evidence of your competence and growth.

3 Seek feedback and support

A third way to increase your assertiveness and confidence is to seek feedback and support from others. You can ask for constructive feedback from your peers, mentors, or managers, and use it to improve your skills and performance. You can also seek support from your colleagues, friends, or family, and share your challenges and successes with them. By seeking feedback and support, you can learn from different perspectives, gain new insights, and build positive relationships.

4 Practice your skills

A fourth way to boost your assertiveness and confidence is to practice your skills regularly. You can practice your technical skills by applying them to different problems, scenarios, or data sets, and by learning new tools, techniques, or frameworks. You can also practice your soft skills, such as communication, presentation, negotiation, or teamwork, by participating in workshops, webinars, or online courses, or by volunteering for opportunities that challenge you. By practicing your skills, you can enhance your expertise, experience, and confidence.

5 Embrace uncertainty

A fifth way to increase your assertiveness and confidence is to embrace uncertainty and risk as part of your work. You may encounter situations where you have to deal with incomplete, inaccurate, or conflicting data, or where you have to make assumptions, estimates, or trade-offs. You may also face changes, delays, or revisions in your projects, or have to deal with unexpected outcomes or feedback. Instead of letting these factors discourage or stress you, you can view them as opportunities to learn, adapt, and improve. By embracing uncertainty, you can develop your resilience, creativity, and flexibility.

6 Be assertive and confident

A sixth way to boost your assertiveness and confidence is to act assertive and confident, even if you don't feel it. You can use positive affirmations, such as "I can do this", "I have the skills and knowledge to solve this problem", or "I have valuable contributions to make". You can also use confident body language, such as standing tall, making eye contact, and smiling. You can also use assertive communication, such as expressing your opinions, needs, and boundaries, and respecting those of others. By being assertive and confident, you can influence how others perceive you, and how you perceive yourself.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?