The Christmas gift of self belief

My birthday has just passed and that means one thing - it's officially Christmas!! This time next month it's Christmas Eve and I can't wait. Over and above the religious significance, I love the coming together of families, the excitement of children and the giving and receiving of gifts. For me, it remains a very special time of the year.

As we approach Christmas I wanted to share perhaps the greatest gift you can give to others in the workplace - the gift of self belief. Apologising in advance for the predictability of the next comment, this is the gift that simply keeps giving!

My career highlights are those moments where individuals have thanked me for the impact that I have had on their lives and on their careers. Publicly and privately. Invariably, this 'impact' can be reduced to one common theme - encouraging, nurturing and supporting others so that they believe in themselves as strongly as I (and others) believe in them. It's not always a bed of roses. Sometimes it takes a tough dialogue, sometimes tears, but in the end it's almost always worth it.

As I write, I can immediately recall such moments - perhaps the proudest being the moment a previous mentee thanked me for the way that I had impacted his life during his wedding speech. In my professional life, few moments have come close to this one in terms of the pride that I felt. I can also recall, vividly, a previous team member thanking me for 're-energising' her career. In reality all I did was provide the gift of self belief - she put in the hard yards.

On a personal level it's been the same in my career. The 'great' HR directors and commercial leaders I have worked alongside have instilled this same belief in me. Put simply, they have provided me with the belief that I have the potential to achieve my dreams and aspirations. Grounded in reality, yet at the same time building my confidence to help conquer the lingering self-doubts. These are the leaders I remember. These are the leaders I recall fondly to friends, family and colleagues alike.

So, as you prepare your Christmas lists and try to stretch ￡5 to buy someone a half decent secret Santa present, prioritise the gift of self belief. It costs nothing, yet means everything to the recipient.

Challenge yourself. Who can you impact this Christmas by providing this most special of all gifts? It'll be worth it...guaranteed.