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Self Confidence

Definition
Self Confidence is faith in one's own ideas and ability to be successful; willingness to take an independent position in the face of opposition.
Behaviors
An employee demonstrating this competency:
  • Is confident of own ability to accomplish goals
  • Presents self crisply and impressively
  • Is willing to speak up to the right person or group at the right time, when he/she disagrees with a decision or strategy
  • Approaches challenging tasks with a "can-do" attitude
Importance of this Competency
Self Confidence is both an attitude about yourself and a quality that others infer based on your behavior and style. If you feel confident about your judgment and ability, you may do things like volunteer for challenging tasks, take risks, and challenge others. These are behaviors that often result in success. Whether others believe you have Self Confidence depends both on these behaviors and on your general style of behavior. If you are generally upbeat and poised, others will believe you are confident, and they may also believe that you are likely to be successful, in which case they will support your ideas, provide opportunities, and follow when you attempt to provide leadership.
General Considerations in Developing this Competency
Confidence in your ability to be successful is in part an expectation based on past experience. The more successes you have had, the more likely you are to develop faith in your ability to be successful in the future. You can build this kind of confidence by setting and attaining moderately challenging goals.

The confidence that you project to others depends on how comfortable you appear in interpersonal interactions, especially when you are speaking, presenting, or leading a group. You can build this kind of confidence through repeated experience with these kinds of interactions.
Practicing this Competency
  • Set goals that are moderately challenging: tasks that are within your capability based on past experience, but which require you to extend your capabilities and skills to some degree.
  • When tackling a challenging task, think of similar tasks that you have successfully managed in the past. Think of the people you can call on if you find that you need help.
  • Speak up when you disagree with a decision or approach. State your concerns and the reasons for them, and suggest an alternative approach. Be sure to do this early on, when people may be willing to modify the decision or approach. When faced with a challenging task, act on what you can do to maximize chances for success.
  • In stressful situations, try to project calmness and a sense of being in control.
Obtaining Feedback
Ask someone to observe you speaking to a group or at a meeting. Ask this person to note what you are doing that helps and hinders projecting Self Confidence.
Learning from Experts
Observe someone who seems to project Self Confidence. Note what the person says and does that creates this effect.
Coaching Suggestions for Managers
If you are coaching someone who is trying to develop the compentency, you can:
  • Model a confident manner yourself.
  • Provide assignments that the person should be able to complete successfully. Gradually increase the difficulty of the assignments, but avoid making them so difficult that the person is likely to fail.
  • Provide the resources, information and training needed to ensure this person’s success.
  • Recognize and reward the person for significant accomplishments.
  • Observe this person in group interactions. Provide feedback on what the person does that builds or interferes with an impression of confidence.
  • Thank the person for speaking up when he/she disagrees with you.
Sample Development Goals
By December 15, I will complete a self-study course in assertiveness.

At the meeting with Brewster’s team, on January 12, I will have Judy observe as I try to project self confidence. Afterwards, I will get her feedback and suggestions.

By January 5, I will read Sonya Hamlin’s book, How to Talk So People Listen, and prepare a list of ideas to apply at my next sales presentation.
Development Resources

BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS

7 Days to Confidence, by Ross Taylor, Sandra Scott, & Roy Leighton. San Diego, CA: Laurel Glen Publishing, 2002.

Authentic: How to Make a Living By Being Yourself, by Neil Crofts. West Sussex, England: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2003.

Confidence: How Winning Streaks and Losing Streaks Begin and End, by Rosabeth M. Kanter. New York, NY: Crown Business, 2006.

Confidence to Be Yourself: How to Boost Your Self-Esteem, by Brian Roet. London, UK: Piatkus Books, 2000.

Developing Confidence and Personal Magnetism, by Gil Magno. Coconut Grove, FL: Magnoart Publications, 2001.

Emotional Confidence, by Gael Lindenfield. New York, NY: Thorsons Publishing, 2001.

How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking, by Dale Carnegie. 204 pages. General Press, 2018.

How to Succeed at Being Yourself: Finding the Confidence to Fulfill Your Destiny, by Joyce Meyer. New York, NY: Warner Faith, 2005.

Rich Minds, Rich Rewards: 52 Ways to Enhance, Enrich, and Empower Your Life, by Valorie Burton. New York, NY: Villard Books, 2001.

The Confidence Factor: Cosmic Gooses Lay Golden Eggs, by Judith Briles. Aurora, CO: Mile High Press, Ltd., 2003.

The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt, by Russ Harris. 240 pages. Trumpeter, 2011.

The Power of Self-Confidence: Become Unstoppable, Irresistible, and Unafraid in Every Area of Your Life, by Brian Tracy. 192 pages. Wiley, 2012.

The Real 13th Step: Discovering Confidence, Self-Reliance, and Independence Beyond the12-Step Programs, by Tina B. Tessina. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books, 2001.

The Self Confidence Workbook: A Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Improving Self-,Esteem, by Markway, Ampel, and Flynn. 178 pages. Althea Press, 2018

WORKSHOPS & COURSES - PUBLIC, ONSITE, ONLINE

Findcourses.com. Educations Media Group (EMG). 20+ courses
https://www.findcourses.com/search/trainings?page=3&q=self-confidence

LinkedIn Learning. 20+ online and video courses.
https://www.linkedin.com/learning/search?keywords=speaking%20self%20confidence

Assertiveness Training. Three days classroom or online. American Management Association. Tel. 877-566-9441.
https://www.amanet.org/assertiveness-training/

Transform Your Confidence and Self-Esteem - Complete Course. Six hours on-demand video. Udemy.
https://bit.ly/3etXpcl

The Psychology of Achievement. CD Set. Brian Tracy International. Tel. 858 481-2977.
www.briantracy.com/catalog/product.aspx?pid=27&cid=8

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
See Appendix


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