Building Confidence for Career Success

Sep 12, 2024

Lecture Notes: Building Confidence for Success

Introduction

  • Personal anecdote about shyness in high school.
  • Transition to college and initial struggles with homesickness.
  • Inspiration from confident peers and desire to change.

Key Questions for Self-Reflection

  • Who am I?
  • Who do I want to become?
  • How does this person I want to become behave?

Personal Journey

  • Aspiration to become a sports executive.
  • Achievements:
    • First female GM of a Triple-A baseball team in nearly 20 years.
    • Host of "Leadership is Female" podcast, interviewing over 90 female sports executives.
  • Common theme: Confidence as a critical skill for career advancement.

Importance of Confidence

  • Confidence can significantly impact behavior and achievements.
  • Reflect on how life changes with increased confidence.

Six Behaviors to Increase Confidence

  1. Count Yourself In

    • Use counting to initiate action and build momentum.
    • Personal example: Confronted a manager about uniform issues.

  2. Give Yourself 20 Seconds of Courage

    • Encourage taking quick, brave actions.
    • Example: Publishing the podcast after brief hesitation.

  3. Take a Seat at the Table

    • Actively participate in discussions and opportunities.
    • Importance of being assertive in professional settings.

  4. Cheer for Others' Success

    • Shift mindset from jealousy to celebration of others.
    • Quote from Amy Poehler: "Good for her, not for me."
    • Example: Supporting a colleague's promotion leads to own opportunities.

  5. Bolster Confidence Through Past Achievements

    • Reflect on past successes to build confidence for new challenges.
    • Example: Preparing for a promotion by reviewing accomplishments.

  6. Celebrate Constantly

    • Acknowledge achievements to reinforce positive behavior.
    • Personal strategies: Highlight reels, team celebrations, personal rewards.

Conclusion

  • Personal growth journey from shyness to leadership.
  • Encouragement to embrace confidence for greater achievements.
  • Reflection: How much could you achieve with increased confidence?