Confidence in the workplace is a combination of what you know, what you’re willing to learn, and your own internal belief. Focus on developing yourself in all three areas and you will be well on your way to feeling and acting as the confident and dependable professional you know you are. Do it correctly and it can lead to promotions, salary increases, access to new projects, and a better work/life balance.
So how do you do you build your confidence in the workplace? Take a look at our six tips to get you on the right track.
SELF DEVELOPMENT
You can never stop learning regardless of your age, seniority or level within an organisation and there is always the ability for further personal and professional development. Investing in yourself and developing new skills will not only will enhance your job performance but can provide a huge boost to your confidence.
Focus on developing new skill sets, studying topics that would benefit you the most. Expand your time management skills, learn how to manage your bosses productivity at a greater level or gain a better understanding in the importance of stakeholder management. Learning something completely new is a great way to challenge yourself and could lead to new doors opening further down the line. Skills unrelated to your job are healthy for your personal life, well being and happiness, which in most cases carries over into your work.
Take a look at what’s out there and register to attend seminars that are designed to help you hone your skills as a PA/EA and become a better asset to your organisation. The Assistant Room hosts a series of learning and development events every year which can be accessed online as well as in person. Check them out here.
GROW YOUR EXISTING KNOWLEDGE
The easiest thing you can do to grow your confidence is to reinforce what you already know and build upon the knowledge you have of your business, your role and any projects you may be working on. Knowing how and why certain practices and processes work within your organisation can increase confidence in your ability to coordinate them effectively.
Nothing can substitute a level of confidence that comes from really knowing your stuff.
BE PROACTIVE AND BE DIFFERENT
Confident people do more than what is expected from them. They are willing to challenge the status quo and think outside of the box distinguishing them from other colleagues in the organisation. Recognise that YOU have been invited to work at a company or within a team because that organisation values YOUR opinion. You have a seat at the table, so use it to the best of your ability.
It is given that as an Assistant you should always be busy but if you find yourself with even 5 minutes spare, use it as the perfect opportunity to improve or change inefficient processes within your team/for your boss and be one step ahead. Individuals who seek out work and don’t wait to be instructed provide high value but also receive an incredible perception within the business from the very top.
Confident people fill gaps as required by the business without being asked to do so.
FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE
It’s easy to let your work day, feedback from colleagues/boss, or your personal life affect your confidence in the workplace. How well we are prepared to react to criticism and negativity can determine our confidence levels in the short and long term.
Take a deep breath – bad days happens to everyone.
See feedback as an opportunity to grow, take it on the chin and apply it to how you work. Try to highlight what you are doing right and also to acknowledge, even if it is just to yourself, that you are doing a great job and celebrate your wins!
DON’T SHY AWAY FROM A CHALLENGE.
If a new opportunity presents itself, do not dismiss it immediately! The work you do outside of your job description will help you stand out from others in the office. You shouldn’t let side projects affect your day-to-day schedule but people remember the individuals who want to go the extra mile.
When you complete a project that is different or new to what you have worked on in the past, it provides justification in your abilities making it easier to believe in yourself.
Be assertive, believe in yourself and back your decisions.
ASK QUESTIONS
It may seem obvious but it is so important, all true professionals seek clarification. A Doctor can’t prescribe a medication without understanding the extent of the patient’s symptoms and you won’t be able to do your job correctly without getting a full grasp of what is expected of you.
Beginning a task incorrectly when you don’t have all of the necessary information is a surefire way for your confidence levels to drop and inadvertently do a poor job.
If you’re unsure of how something should be done, ask someone for additional support. Those who are able to utilise the people around them to better perform in their tasks generally become more confident. Another bonus is that you will likely find that even your peers will become more confident in you due to your active approach to finding solutions and utilising your team.
Article written by Nathan Chapman from The Assistant Room
Created by ex Executive Assistant Jessica Gardiner, The Assistant Room is an online global platform dedicated to improving the lives of Personal and Executive Assistants through the power of personal connections.
We act as a big sister providing unbiased, in depth support to professionals at all stages to focus on their skills, build their networks and take their career to the next level. Whether you are a team assistant to five Directors, a PA to the board or you look after a jet setting celebrity, we are here to help you achieve great things!