May 22 5 Ways to Upgrade Leadership Confidence for Career Advancement
Do you ever feel a lack of confidence holding you back? You are not alone! Underdeveloped self esteem is the #1 issue impeding the progress of corporate leaders in 2012. The higher you rise, the more pressure there is to outperform others while setting an example that represents your organization. That’s an intense mandate, and most leaders just don’t have the sustained mindset it takes to meet the challenge.
But believe me when I say that YOU can overcome these issues and flourish where others fall short. Anyone who knows my career story realizes that I started out as a poster child for low self esteem. If an introvert like me who lacked confidence can turn it around and gain really empowering belief in herself, then so can you!
I’m passionate about sharing my insights and secrets around this issue because it is so close to my heart. In fact, I’ve made it my life’s mission to facilitate strong, healthy self esteem in others who are tired of having their valuable leadership talent and career advancement undermined by a frustrating shortage of confidence.
Here are 5 tips to help you boost your leadership:
1) Arrogant Confidence is Phony
Confidence is crucial to accelerated success. But I’m not talking about being puffed-up and egotistical. An inflated ego will sink your career faster than a lead balloon. The most inspiring and effective leaders are highly confident. But their strong and healthy self esteem is deeply rooted in empathy, gratitude, humility, and selfless dedication. Leave ego out of the equation. Develop a service attitude that supports the success of others and you’ll become a legendary leader.
2) Silence the Inner Gremlins
Everyone gets lulled into listening to their inner gremlins. But the gremlins repeat the same tired old mantras: ““I’m too old, I’m too young, I don’t have a master’s degree, I’ll never get promoted. Even if I do get promoted I’ll fail. I need more experience.” Train your brain to interrupt and instantly interject positive reinforcement that supports your success! Turn up the volume of self-affirming messages! Deny the gremlins the bullhorn and bully pulpit!
3) Know Thy Purpose
Believe in your purpose to reinforce your confidence. You are unique in your own way, for a reason. You have had your specific life experiences to give you a leadership perspective and particular way of looking at the world that nobody else has. There is priceless value in that, and you were put where you are right now in order to share that gift with others who need it more than you can imagine.
4) You’re Beyond Comparison
Too many people imitate others as a way to avoid doing the immensely rewarding work it takes to discover their own authentic leadership identity. Trying to be someone you are not just dilutes self esteem, so don’t fall into the trap of constantly comparing yourself to others. Take pride in who you are and how you got here. People will see you as more genuine, human, likeable, credible, and transparent – and they’ll want you to be their leader.
5) Companies Want Trailblazers
Companies want to invest in leaders who can think for themselves. Blaze your own path to success, and you’ll find yourself overcoming self esteem obstacles and overtaking the competition. Reprogram your negative mindset to start thinking like a winner, which will prompt your subconscious mind to create you in that winning image. Soon your mind will become a raving fan instead of a self-sabotaging detractor, and the doors to opportunity will swing wide open along your path to success.
As a pioneering and visionary innovator, Sarah is a certified professional image consultant and brand strategist, speaker, trainer and author. Her company, Illustra Consulting, provides leading-edge image and brand management strategies for top leaders and high achievers who wish to take their career to the next level. She also delivers innovative and inspiring corporate workshops to assist large organizations in strengthening their corporate brand.
Illustra Consulting
Copyright © 2012, Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS
1-800-267-3245, [email protected]
This article may be reproduced only in it’s entirety, including the above bio.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Sarah Hathorn, CEO of Hathorn Consulting Group, is the go-to-expert in working with leaders and companies to create successful corporate DNA. As an executive coach, consultant and speaker she collaborates globally with clients and brands such as Deloitte, McKesson, Kimberly-Clark, Sherwin-Williams, Home Depot and other leading organizations.
Subscribe today to get my newsletter, Corporate DNA™ for leadership articles on how to maximize your talent pipeline, develop & enhance leadership capabilities, inspire and influence to communicate top results and much more.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.