5 Ways to exude confidence at work

Sheryl Sandberg in an interview with Ted, narrated an incident from her college. She, along with another friend and her brother, took a course in European Intellectual History. While she and her friends attended the lectures religiously, her brother didn’t; and right before the exam had to be tutored by both of them. Yet, after they came out of the exam hall, both Sandberg and her friend were skeptical of their performance and her brother was confident that he’ll top the class.

This, Sandberg says, is how most of us function. Women often underestimate their own capabilities and remain underconfident even when they posses great qualities. She believes that this is one of the main reasons why women do not reach the top of the ladder.

Here are a few ways in which women can exude confidence at workplace.

Networking

Take time out to build relationships. Make sure that you invite colleagues and employees for lunch once a month or make on-site visits. Having and practicing your verbal interaction skills is extremely important.

Be Bossy

Sandberg points out that this word is almost exclusively used for women- in a negative sense, of course. Still, women care too much about being liked by others and want to please everyone around; often at the cost of themselves. Take charge and be a leader- which includes having people follow you.

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Stop Waiting to Be Rescued

Don’t wait around for people to notice you and your success. Take charge and work hard for whatever it is you want and demand recognition when you deserve it. When you take matters into your own hands, you show that you are capable and confident enough to handle your own mess and people would respect you for that.

Stop Comparing Yourself

If you keep comparing yourself to others, you would always remain under confident. Others may have qualities that you don’t possess, but remember you too have qualities that they don’t. Be yourself and celebrate your uniqueness and take pride in who you are.

Don’t Be Afraid To Be Audacious

Be courageous in everything you do, even if you make mistakes, get up and try a different way. Being scared would just prevent you from doing things you could excel at.  Believe in yourself and give other a chance to believe in you.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Forbes

http://www.forbes.com/sites/christineperkett/2014/05/20/5-ways-women-can-exude-confidence-at-work/