Finding Confidence in Your Career

'How to have a Confident Career' is a topic that I am regularly asked to speak on at Workplace Professional Development Days, or Health and Wellbeing Days. It is a popular topic, and one also that clients often admit they are struggling with. 

There is a lot written about Confidence in the Workplace and the best method to become a more confident and empowered employee. In this article, I will share with you some of my top tips that will make it easier for you to feel more confident at work, from the inside out.  

If you are familiar with my work, you will recognise that confidence is an inside job. Therefore, it really doesn't matter what your workplace is, you will always take yourself (and your lack of confidence) with you - even if you change employer frequently. 

Remember, we all give off 'vibes' and these are often unconscious. So if you don't believe in yourself or your ability to be empowered and confident, people will pick up on this - regardless of your actions. For me, feeling confident at work is far more important than your qualifications and research shows that those who appear more confident at work not only receive more respect from their employers, but are more likely to be offered the best career opportunities.  

I frequently find that the key difference between confident employees and those who lack confidence in their career comes down to our own personal self talk and how we react to situations around us. This includes how we react to criticism, our ability to soothe and encourage ourselves when taking on new tasks and the belief that we have something to offer our employer. Our level of confidence will also affect the decisions we make throughout the day.  

Try a few of these Inner Confidence Career Tips - remember, choose the ones that feel good to you!  
1) Praise yourself daily. When was the last time you finished work and congratulated yourself on a job well done? Praise boosts your inner confidence muscle and criticism pulls it down. Don't be afraid to praise yourself internally and also it's perfectly fine to point out to your boss when you have accomplished something for the organisation. Self acknowledgement will build up your confidence muscle. Don't wait for your boss to praise you - praise yourself!  
2) Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Are you enjoying your work? Are there parts of your job that you would like to do more or less of? Do you need to organise a meeting with your manager to discuss? If you are feeling disempowered or resentful at work - don't just complain about it - have that all important courageous conversation.  
3) Be ok with where you are in your career. Often our negative feelings or stress about our career all comes down to not being happy with where we are in our career and wishing we were somewhere different. Be ok with where you are and have a positive expectation that your career will progress well.  
4) Focus on what you can do - not what you can't do. You were employed because your manager thought you were valuable, so own it! Write a list of your accomplishments in the past year and share it with your manager at your annual review. 

On a final note, if your career doesn't feel good to you or satisfy you, it may be time to look for a new position that will align with your values, passions and strengths. Interestingly enough, I never felt confident in my past career as an accountant, but when I moved into being a Life and Confidence Coach, my confidence increased dramatically. This was purely because I had found a job that match my own personal values and preferences.  

Recently re-located to Northamptonshire, UK from Australia, Lisa Phillips is an award winning coach, speaker and facilitator. She is also the author of 'The Confidence Coach' book. To find out more about Lisa please see www.howtoempoweryourstaff.co.uk or www.amazingcoaching.co.uk