Confidence is the crucial component
Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to take skiing lessons at an indoor ski centre. During a recent lesson, something the instructor said to a fellow learner struck a chord with me. The instructor's weighty words of wisdom were "it's not your ability that's holding you back, it's your confidence”.
This statement not only acted as an encouragement to the adult learner but also pointed to a wider influence that affects human performance in all aspects of life.
As leaders and as educators, we seek to instil confidence in others, whether that be in our team or our pupils. However, something that is often neglected within leadership effectiveness and teacher development dialogue is the confidence of the individual.
Confidence levels
‘What are you really good at?’ Reflection on the ease with which you can answer this question.
Whilst some can quickly and accurately point to personal strengths and competencies. Others might struggle to name a single attribute, without adding a doubt-filled disqualifying phrase such as ‘I guess’, ‘I suppose’ or ‘I think’.
Many of us are highly-skilled, high performing individuals and yet we suffer from imposter syndrome at the most inopportune times.
Charting a new course
So what can we do personally and as leaders to establish or reinstate our confidence to a level commensurate with our ability and worth?
Through my developmental journey and from experience of coaching others, I have found that a few small intentional actions can make a big difference:
Positive data logging - take time during or at the end of the day to identify the positive things you have done. This process reminds us of our greatness and serves as an evidence bank that we can withdraw from during future difficulties.
Be mindful of your inner voice - sometimes what defeats us before we even begin is what we tell ourselves. Our negative thoughts lead to sub-optimal performance and outcomes. Negative neural pathways can be so deeply embedded that continual resetting is required. Even the process of recognising our tendencies to self-discourage and focus on what we lack can put us on a path to reprogramming our mindsets.
Listen less - sometimes discouragement can come from external sources. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, what other people say to us or about us can knock us off course. Despite my self-belief and independence, I know that I can too often be swayed or negatively affected by the words and opinions of others. Unsolicited advice, unwanted criticism and unhelpful comments should all be taken with a pinch of salt.
Create a mini Board of Directors - these are your trusted and wise counsel. Colleagues, friends and advocates who you respect and have your best interests at heart. Having these types of people around you can catalyse your dreams and give you boldness when you are tempted to shrink back or shy away.
I have worked with so many students, educators and leaders who are lacking nothing other than a few more spoonfuls of confidence. If we can acknowledge that we aren’t perfect, while believing that we have something significant to offer, our actions are far more likely to lead us in a positive direction.
Wherever you are on the confidence scale, take an intentional step forward to grow your confidence (or through encouragement support someone with theirs). Remember: "It's not your ability that's holding you back, it's your confidence”.
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