QUESTION
Hi Amanda,
I hope the week is treating you well. I just started a new job, and I don’t know how to look or conduct myself, as most of my colleagues are men. At times, I had difficulty communicating my thoughts to them.
Could you please assist me?
Love,
Josie!
ANSWER
Hi Josie,
I understand what you’re going through. When an office is filled with headstrong men, a woman’s confidence is the only thing that sets her apart. You can be unstoppable when you know what you want and work toward it. The best way to build your confidence at work is to always stay true to yourself.
However, sometimes, we all find it difficult to boost our self-confidence in the office. It’s mostly a matter of purging self-doubt and learning to trust yourself if you want to be a confident woman at work. Consistently cooperative and pleasant behavior is the mark of a confident woman. Does that sound difficult? Here are some tips you can follow to improve your self-esteem, feel more motivated, and boost your self-confidence.
So let’s start with tip one…
Select your words carefully.
When you’re around alpha males, don’t belittle your worth. Pick your words carefully, and you’ll be able to make your point. If you use words like ‘maybe’ or ‘I think,’ you may appear weak. However, this does not mean you must interrupt or get aggressive. Words that exude confidence rather than cockiness will work better.
Show confidence.
On days when you’re feeling down and not feeling your best at work, how do you build confidence? Pretending to be confident can be helpful in those situations. Be aware of how you walk, talk, and shake hands – these are all things you need to keep in mind. Keep your shoulders back, and look intently into the other person’s eyes. A confident demeanor will benefit you greatly.
Dress modestly.
The point isn’t to prove that you’re tough as nails. Dress in a manner that suits you personally. Even if you prefer to wear casual clothing, you can still make it work for you. Your confidence will skyrocket when you feel and look good in whatever you’re wearing. Making a statement doesn’t require you to wear a run-of-the-mill formal outfit.
Be a leader, not a wallflower.
Never back down from a challenge, and be self-assured. Any woman who possesses these traits can handle any situation that comes her way.
You don’t earn your position by being a wallflower at meetings. Thus, be confident and express yourself freely. Be balanced between being assertive and holding back when necessary. By striking this balance, you will be able to contribute at work.
Be a mindful listener.
When you listen to other people, you can cater to their tastes. It is another way to instill confidence. You may take part in your co-workers’ conversations about tennis, cooking, or whatever else they may be discussing. Your confidence will also grow in turn.
Challenge the status quo.
You should take the unexpected route when everyone is going in one direction. Even if the team is rooting for a predetermined concept, coming up with fresh ideas can make you feel valuable. In turn, you will feel more confident in speaking your mind. Don’t be afraid to tell them what you need to improve and how to fix a problem.
As a final note, I would like to share this quote.
“Having confidence does not assure success. Instead, it gives you the upper hand when searching for solutions with tenacity.”
Taking these steps requires perseverance on your part. You will not only become a valued employee more quickly, but you will also improve yourself as an individual. It all begins by staying firm in your beliefs.
I hope you found the tips insightful. Please let me know if you would like more information about women’s careers. Please keep your comments coming.
Lots of love,
Amanda!
