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CONFIDENCE IS THE KEY
Last week I was called for a reference check for a seller I had worked with years ago. Is he confident asked the potential new manager. I shared with her that, like most people, his confidence level will be directly proportional to the amount of safety and security you provide for him. If he feels safe enough to make mistakes that will be viewed as learning or teaching moments instead of opportunities for ridicule and condemnation, then yes, he will be very confident.
The lightbulb, the ah-ha moment, and the epiphany all emanate from confidence. Confidence is that feeling that you have figured it out. It turns out that confidence is critical, arguably more important than intelligence and skill.
Barbara Markway, Ph.D., writing for Psychology Today, says self-confidence is linked to almost every element of a happy life. She shares five key rewards for having self-confidence:
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Less Fear and Anxiety – the more confident you become, the more you are able to calm that inner voice that screams, “I can’t do it.”
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Greater Motivation – building confidence means taking small steps that create a feeling of accomplishment
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More Resilience – confidence gives you the skills and coping methods to handle setbacks and failure
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Improved relationships – when you have more self-confidence, you are less focused on yourself.
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Stronger Sense of your authentic self – confidence roots you in who you really are.
As a manager or a sales trainer, nothing is more exciting than to see the lightbulbs of new ideals resonate with team members. Helping them discover the answers to their problems, overcoming obstacles, helping them learn from their mistakes in a safe environment, and achieving is about as rewarding as it gets.
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