(Web Desk) - Are you reaching your full potential at work? It’s a question you might find tricky to answer, given 79% of women (compared with 62% of men) regularly lack confidence in themselves when it comes to their careers.
This can not only hold women back from achieving their ambitions – confidence in ability was one of the key barriers to senior roles, women said – but also make work unmotivating and boring.
The research by My Confidence Matters, an organisation aimed at inspiring businesswomen to become leaders, said lack of self-esteem is seen across industries, regardless of business size or job title.
Adopt a power pose
“Power posing involves adopting a strong upright posture, legs slightly apart, arms open,” says Dr Felicity Baker, clinical psychologist and co-founder of workplace resilience and wellbeing provider Ultimate Resilience.
Remember, less is more
You may find yourself feeling nervous during a meeting and be talking at double the pace. But, to be heard and respected, we need to be disciplined in how we communicate at work.
“Less is more, so avoid contributing just for the sake of it. "Instead, wait and speak when you have something valuable to add,” says chartered psychologist Dr Jo Perkins.
“Pause before speaking so you can formulate a high-impact response.
Have some statements ready if you need to buy time to reflect on bigger issues, such as: ‘This question benefits from more consideration.
Ask fewer questions
Avoid the constant use of questions, and make declarative statements instead. “Speak to decision-makers as peers, not final authorities,” says Justin Gasparovic, a behavioural psychology expert and founder of self-improvement website The Enemy Of Average. “For example, say: ‘Let’s set weekly planning meetings going forward,’ instead of: ‘Do you think weekly meetings could happen, maybe?’” says Justin.
Stop apologising
How many times have you found yourself saying sorry unnecessarily, such as for giving your opinion or for just taking up space? It’s an unconscious habit many women, especially, have due to a people-pleasing tendency, low self-esteem or simply trying to prevent conflict between others.
Create an alter ego
To boost your confidence, it can help to emulate someone you admire or who inspires you. Beyoncé created the alter ego Sasha Fierce to separate her dazzling on-stage persona from her quieter everyday personality.
“Try borrowing techniques, style and language from other people that you can shape into your own personal, authentic style,” recommends Dr Perkins. Play some tunes
Before a big meeting, listen to energetic music.
Research from Northwestern University in the US identified songs such as We Will Rock You by Queen, 2 Unlimited’s Get Ready For This, and 50 Cent’s In Da Club as tunes that made people feel powerful and dominant. Wear the right colours
The colours of your clothing can convey a mood, tone or image, even if you don’t realise it.
“Red tends to be associated with confidence, strength and passion, making it memorable,” says Dr Perkins.
“Dark colours, such as navy, grey and black can convey sophistication, professionalism, stability and confidence.
Start the day right
A positive morning can make all the difference to how your work day pans out. Keep a good sleep routine to help you get up on time, so you don’t start the day rushing around.
“On your commute, make a note of three things in your life you are grateful for to boost positive emotions,” says Dr Bake