It is hard to overstate how critical it is to be a student of your business. Since the beginning of my career, I’ve made every effort to put myself in rooms where I can meet new people and learn new things about the hospitality industry. This practice of seeking out knowledge and developing a deeper understanding of our industry has given me the confidence to engage with my colleagues and clients on a deeper level and has served as a springboard for my career. After all, as Lilcent King once said, “Knowledge itself is power.”
As my knowledge base has grown, I have been empowered to stretch my skill set with projects outside of what I would consider “business as usual.” These initiatives weren’t all successful, but every failure came with learnings. Periodically, I would evaluate my track record and determine which strategies yielded results. I would pursue those strategies and do all I could to enhance them. The more lessons I learned, the more confident I became. It was a virtuous circle.
There are many, many areas in which confidence can impact your career. You have to trust that you can achieve your goals before others recognize your ability. However, while building confidence doesn’t happen overnight, there are ways to develop it just like any other skill.
Confidence Building 101
The ability to make hard decisions without consulting management, closing on a large deal or knowing what steps to take next in a tricky situation are all rooted in confidence. If you’re looking to boost your confidence, here are some places to start.
1. Have a plan and set measurable goals. It’s impossible to gain confidence without understanding what you’re hoping to achieve. What does success look like? What steps will get you there and what milestones can help you measure your progress? Once you can articulate your goals, you can start working toward them. If you don’t have goals, it will be difficult to move forward in a meaningful way.
2. Find the right mindset. You have to believe that you’re going to succeed in building confidence. Start each day with positive affirmations so that you can put yourself in the right mindset. Take time to pat yourself on the back and acknowledge the positive steps you have taken to improve your current situation. Celebrate small wins along the way. Treating yourself well will help silence self-doubt.
3. Develop a presence. The old saying, “Dress for the job you want” applies to confidence level just as much as career path. Choose styles that make you feel powerful — when you feel good about yourself, others will take notice. This helps you develop a presence. Do you want to be perceived as professional? Outgoing? Daring? Clothes can help you communicate what you’re all about before you even say a word because a signature style can speak volumes and bring the right energy into a room. And always understand that the way you present yourself is how people will perceive you.
4. Chase inspiration. Focus on work and initiatives that inspire you and bring you joy. Inspiration drives creativity and learning, which will continue to grow your knowledge and help you gain confidence. If you’re stuck in a rut, find something exciting that exists outside of your comfort zone. Don’t wait for inspiration to strike, you have to chase it!
5. Challenge yourself. In a similar vein, seek to challenge yourself as you seek growth. If you become too comfortable, you lose the motivation to accomplish bigger and better things. And do not compare yourself to others — you’re only in competition with yourself.
6. Enlist supporters. The path to confidence cannot be walked alone. You must surround yourself with people who push you to exceed expectations. Share your goals with your close friends, colleagues and family, and have them help hold you accountable. They also will notice your growth and will be your cheerleaders throughout the process.
7. Never stop learning. The drive to learn something new every day can propel you forward. Invest time and resources in educational opportunities, from formal trainings to industry panels to conversations with colleagues in different areas of hospitality. It takes time to grow your understanding of the business; be patient, and keep actively seeking education in all its forms.
Keep Pushing Forward
Confidence can have a profound impact on your career. It helps you make decisions, inspires followers, and keeps you open to new ideas and constructive criticism. Lack of confidence can lead to defensiveness as you question your abilities and worth. A confident person welcomes opportunities for improvement because they are secure in their knowledge and skill set. While confidence can happen naturally over time, it is very possible to expedite that process and start building the career you want now. You just have to decide you want to do it!
Stephanie Atkisson is leading the sales teams as the vice president of sales, marketing and revenue at Raines Hospitality.
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