7 Ways to Boost Your Leadership Self-Confidence

Confidence Plays a Huge Role in the Success of Your Company

By Rafael Maga?a

Success stems not only from a solid business idea and efficient start-up, but you also need confidence. Without it, your colleagues, employees, and customers won't believe in you. Plus, you're unlikely to balance risk-taking if the thought of making mistakes scares you. Here are seven ways to increase confidence and make your business more successful.

1. Groom for success

You might imagine the way you dress only influences how your clients and co-workers view you. Research shows, however, you've more to gain from looking like you mean business than the approval of others.

According to Scientific American, studies suggest you should "suit-up" if you want to be an ideas person or remarkable negotiator. The notion stems from two studies. In one, subjects were asked to wear either casual or formal clothes before a cognitive test. Business attire, results showed, enhanced abstract thinking--a vital element in long-term planning and creativity.

Informal clothing, it was discovered in the second study, can damage business negotiations. Male subjects, the Journal of Experimental Psychology reports, wore their regular clothing or suits and played a game involving negotiation. Those who suited-up struck superior deals to regular-clothed participants. Excellent grooming, then, aids business success because it increases confidence and vital skills.

2. Use positive self-talk

Never underestimate the power of self-talk; it can make or break your confidence when decision-making. Just imagine you need to discuss payment for the service you provide and have low self-worth because of your inner critic. You'll accept far less than you deserve. Similarly, you'll accept failure and quit rather than persevere during challenging times.

Positive self-talk involves training your inner voice to offer encouraging words and affirm your abilities. If dispiriting thoughts pop into your head, use positivity to drown them in a sea of pep and reassurance.

3. Stay positive

Remember to be positive when dealing with business associates, personnel, and clients. Your bright outlook will stimulate good-will and increase your self-confidence--it's hard to be fearful when you have a sunny outlook. If people find doing business with you enjoyable, you'll get repeat customers, and constructive talk and an upbeat attitude will inspire your employees to work hard. They will like and want to work with you. They'll take fewer days off sick and productivity will increase. Successful results will improve your self-assurance and keep momentum flowing.

4. Recognize your achievements

While it's natural to compare your business success to your contemporaries' achievements, doing so might be depressing. Some companies will be ahead of yours, so you will come off worse during appraisals. Instead of trying to measure your business success by looking outside your office, look inside. Compete with your own achievements and you'll inch ahead and maintain self-esteem.

5. Stretch out of your comfort zone

Many entrepreneurs stop taking risks and forging ahead when their companies aren't thriving. They get used to the situation and make do rather than considering how to improve their business. Familiarity and low self-esteem prevent them from pushing their boundaries.

Force yourself to try new ventures and stretch your limits. If you're uncomfortable and unsure for a few moments every day as you make decisions, your confidence will develop with your business. You'll learn to associate discomfort with growth.

6. Surround yourself with support and wisdom

Your associates affect your competence and self-image. If they support you and make smart business decisions, you are likely to thrive under their influence. Ensure you hire talented employees who back your aims and consider getting a business mentor. Also, don't socialize with naysayers. Spend time with friends who make high-grade choices and believe in you.

7. Focus on your successes

You will meet setbacks, but don't let them get you down. All entrepreneurs face challenges. Those who glean wisdom from their mistakes build successful businesses. When misfortune strikes, keep your spirits high and learn from blunders. Look at problems from various angles and consider whether your timing was off.

You learn as much about who you are and what you're made of from failure as you do from success."- Rafael Maga?a

Confidence plays a huge role in the success of your company. Make sure it doesn't dip. Use positive self-talk, socialize, and work with people you admire who support your endeavors. Also, dress for success and stretch from your comfort zone regularly, and your business and confidence will expand.

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Copyright April 15, 2020 by Rafael Maga?a. Contact for usage license.

Rafael Maga?a helps organizations grow. Helps leaders accelerate strategy implementation in their organizations. Specializes in donor-centered Philanthropy. Major Gift Officer -Veritus Scholar. Director of Development & Communications at BREATHE California of Los Angeles County. Director of Development at the Emphysema Foundation of America. Enjoys writing about leadership and management in nonprofit organizations. Founder of Latino Professionals and Latina Professionals.  Resides in California.  

Follow Rafael on LinkedIn and on Twitter: @RafaelMagana

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are solely my own.

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