Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem in a workplace

Lack of confidence and self-esteem in the workplace can be a significant barrier to personal and professional growth. It shows up through feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and negative self-talk. Many individuals find themselves facing these obstacles at some point in their careers. The good news is that it doesn’t have to derail your career. Once you identify the causes, you can implement strategies to boost your confidence and self-esteem, and ultimately unlock your full potential. Here are some tips I use within my coaching practice to help my clients boost confidence and self-esteem in the workplace.

Rediscover your gifts - Lack of confidence and self-esteem at work may be the result of doing work that is not aligned with your skills and values. This can hurt your performance and productivity and ultimately stall your career growth. It’s important to pause and regularly take inventory of your skills, talents, and accomplishments. Acknowledging your strengths can boost your confidence and remind you of your unique value in the workplace. Taking steps to align your work with your skills and values can lead to a more rewarding and purposeful career journey.

Release the doubt – Underrepresentation, bias, and lack of mentorship and sponsorship are factors attributed to lack of confidence. Being passed over for promotions and pay disparities can make you question your worthiness and abilities. In September 2023, Coco Gauff became the first American woman to win the U.S. Open since 1999. In her acceptance speech, she said, “Thank you to the people who didn’t believe in me… Honestly, to those who thought they were putting water on my fire, you were really adding gas to it. And I'm now I'm really burning so bright right now."

We all have that inner critic that says “You’re not good enough”, “You’re not ready yet”, or “You’re going to fail”. The negative voices in your head can significantly stall your career growth by creating mental and emotional blocks that hold you back from reaching your full potential. We think we might be protecting ourselves by “playing it safe”, but being afraid to step outside of your comfort zone can hold you back from taking on new responsibilities, seeking promotions, or pursuing career advancements. The key is to turn that inner critic into an inner cheerleader. First, thank your inner critic for trying to protect you. Next, give your inner critic the new job of supporting you. Now you can shift your mindset by challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with positive affirmations and evidence of your capabilities. Instead of saying “I can’t do that”, reframe it to “I can’t do that yet, but I can learn”, and plan to close the learning gaps. Journaling is a great tool to work through limiting beliefs. You can start by answering the following questions: “What does being confident look like?” “What does it feel like?”

Rise to greatness - Maya Angelou once said, “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be”. Celebrate your successes and own your greatness. There are no “small wins”, a win is a win. Now that you’ve taken an inventory of your strengths and reframed your mindset, it’s time to apply the tools and techniques of your personal roadmap so that you can live life with meaning and purpose. Boosting confidence and self-esteem is a journey that requires patience and self-compassion. Be intentional about prioritizing your mental and physical well-being. Establish proper boundaries and find time for friends and family and activities that bring you joy. Finally, set yourself up for success by surrounding yourself with a supportive network of individuals who can cheer you on and celebrate your successes.

“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe” ― Oprah Winfrey

The path to leadership isn’t a straight line. It requires perseverance, planning, and a supportive network. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or charting your own course as an entrepreneur, know that your journey is valid and your goals are within reach. From my experience in the tech industry and working as a coach, I've gained valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in leadership. It's about honing your skills, building your confidence, and embracing opportunities for growth. Remember, every setback is an opportunity to learn and evolve.

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Angela V. Harris is a Certified Leadership Coach. In her coaching practice, she helps Black women in tech strategically navigate the corporate landscape so they can be seen, feel?valued, and get promoted.

Together you can explore how executive coaching can provide you with the guidance, accountability, and strategies needed to unlock your full potential and achieve your goals.

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