Workplace Confidence and the Reality Shared
After some time, you get confidently comfortable with your job and skills. Is workplace confidence distracting you from doing your best work?
There is often a discussion about over-confident in comparison with being under-confident.
Confidence is Good, Right?
People often size up a lack of confidence and believe that more confidence should be gained. A good idea.
On the other end of the continuum people are working with limited stress or worry about their performance. The belief is, “I know everything I need to know.” They start each day by just gently flowing into their work.
If asked, they’ll suggest that they are doing their best. Giving what they can give and that they are devoted and loyal employees.
What if the impression of doing your best isn’t really your best?
What if you are holding back a little? Perhaps you are saving some energy for your run at lunch time. Maybe you have a painting project at home and you’re distracting about finishing it before the in-laws visit next week.
It goes deeper sometimes.
What if you consider that if you really gave it your all today, and succeeded, that you’ll have to put out that kind of work every day. Better hold back a little.
Workplace Confidence
One thing that everyone in the workplace shares is the reality that on many days they are operating at something less than one-hundred percent.
Initially, you’ll challenge that notion. Upon deeper inspection you may agree that it is true.
It is rooted in our level of confidence and comfort. Total confidence may mean that there is more left in the tank. More room for learning, growing, or helping someone else succeed.
As humans our nature is to leave a little in the tank.
We’re saving it for when it really matters.
Maybe today is one of those days.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
