Early in my professional career, I was a fairly timid and quiet guy. I was elevated to management, largely due to my knowledge and expertise, but, I lacked the self-confidence to really be labeled a leader. I often struggled when expressing an idea or articulating a point of view, that I knew would not be popular nor well received by my peers or leaders with influence.
That was until I had the opportunity to work for a new boss…
The best description for this new boss would be, lack-luster leader. This boss was new to our department, but held no reservations when making erroneous claims and barking out orders. Due to my deep experience in my field, I quickly realized that this leader was clueless, nonetheless, all their demands and messages were relayed with the utmost confidence. My boss’ direction, whether correct or incorrect, came with a heavy weight of influence, due to the tone of unwavering confidence.
Even today, I still consider that boss one of my worst leaders. Yet, this troubled tyrant taught me a very important life lesson.
That lesson: confidence creates influence and influence creates power.
Shortly after this boisterous boss was terminated (for obvious reasons), I made a commitment to myself.
I had to be more confident.
I was an expert in my field.
I’d read countless books, blogs and white papers, coupled with years of application of that knowledge.
If someone could garner that much power and influence by wearing a costume of confidence, not truly mastering their craft, surely I could do the same as an established expert.…and so I did!
That was many years ago, and since then, I’ve encountered a plethora of confident, lack-luster leaders, along with timid, quiet and insecure experts.
I’ve done what I could to encourage and build the self-confidence of these diffident experts; but all too often, their lack of confidence killed their careers.
The longer I live and the more I experience, I’m beginning to realize that the lack of self-confidence not only kills careers…
The lack of confidence kills relationships!
The lack of confidence kills ideas!
The lack of confidence kills dreams!
The lack of confidence is an unleashed serial killer.
The questions for reflection this week are:
Where are you lacking confidence?
What do you need to do to begin building your self-confidence in those identified areas?
I’m thankful for the troubled tyrant, I called boss, years ago. Somehow, out of that chaos, I walked away with a lesson in self-confidence.
Where is the lack of confidence killing you?
How long will you allow this serial killer to run loose in your life?
If you know something, know that you know it!
If you want to be something, be all that you want to be!
Exercising your mind is the key.
Think constantly on your desired state of being; this unlocks self-confidence.
It takes work. Confidence doesn’t come for free.
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale
Stay inspired, it’s a lifestyle choice!
About the Author:
Linal Harris
Global Entrepreneur – Certified Life Coach – Media Personality – Speaker
Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life’s purpose. Harris coaches CEO’s, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of “Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.
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