Some people seem to have it all together. You know the type: The peppy employee who is always ready to share their ideas or take on new assignments. Their can-do attitude manages to convince those around them, including themselves, that they're an asset. There's one feeling they embrace that many struggle to find: confidence.
Some workers are wracked with doubt and fear, unable to take necessary risks or voice their insights. However, confidence is as much a skill as it is an outlook.
To succeed in business – and life – it is important to avoid confidence-killing beliefs and manage, sometimes with great restraint, difficult personalities.
1. Perfectionism
High-performing employees often pressure themselves to attain ridiculous, unrealistic standards, and sometimes become discouraged when they fail to achieve them
Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Every time you fall short on a project, ask yourself if you gave it your all. If you did, know that you are human and cannot do everything perfectly – and accept that.
2. Micromanager bosses
Being micromanaged can make a person feel like they aren't good enough. Why else would the boss be nitpicking and telling you exactly how to complete a task?
In most cases, you probably aren't doing anything wrong. We noted that fear is usually underneath controlling behavior.
If you're truly confident, no one can tear you down. A micromanager might strike some insecurities in you, but remind yourself how far you've come and where you want to go.
3. Disengagement at work
One of the most common reasons for feeling disconnected from your job, and therefore lacking confidence in it, is doing work that doesn't leverage your skills. Everyone has talents and abilities, and if you're not using them at your job, you may want to consider other opportunities. Another option is to maintain an optimistic and encouraging attitude toward your performance at work. If you're feeling indifferent, try a different perspective or approach. Maybe you fell into a rut or a routine that drains you. Switch it up; take a different approach that hones your passions. What can you do differently that might make your job more enjoyable? Don't be afraid to discuss this with your employer.
4. Fear of failure
Everyone experiences fear – some more than others. It's crucial, though, to face fear head-on.
Of course, you want to "get it right" in your career, but your fear of "failing" shouldn't stand in your way of trying something new. A project may not turn out as planned, and you may make mistakes. As long as you learn from those experiences, you haven't truly failed.
5. Uncooperative or critical colleagues
Working with rude, arrogant, or otherwise unpleasant colleagues can lower your job satisfaction, especially if their negativity is directed at you. As with micromanagers, Lerner urges professionals not to take the behavior too personally, but we advise making an effort to work things out with your colleague.