Confidence is the Key

Last week, I was called for a reference check on a seller with whom I had worked years ago. "Is he confident," asked the potential new manager? I shared with her that like most people, his level of confidence will be in direct proportion to the amount of safety and security you provide for him. If he feels safe enough to make mistakes that will be viewed as learning or teaching moments as opposed to opportunities for ridicule and condemnation, then yes, he will be very confident. The lightbulb, the ah-ha moment — the epiphany, all emanate from confidence. Confidence is that feeling that you have figured it out. Turns out, confidence is really important, arguably more important than intelligence and skill.

Barbara Markway Ph.D., writing for Psychology Today, says that self-confidence is linked to almost every element involved in a happy life. She shares five key rewards to having self-confidence:

Less fear and anxiety — The more confident you become, the more you can calm that inner voice that screams, "I can't do it."

Greater motivation — Building confidence means taking small steps that create a feeling of accomplishment.

More resilience — Confidence gives you the skills and coping methods to handle setbacks and failure.

Improved relationships — When you have more self-confidence, you are less focused on yourself.

Stronger sense of your authentic self — Confidence roots you in who you really are.

As a manager or a sales trainer, nothing is more exciting than to see the lightbulbs of new ideas resonate with team members. Helping them discover the answers to the problems they face, overcoming obstacles, helping them learn from their mistakes in a safe environment and achieving is about as rewarding as it gets.

Jeff Schmidt is SVP-Professional Development at the Radio Advertising Bureau. You can reach Jeff at jeff.Schmidt@Rab.com or follow him on social media: Twitter, LinkedIn.