We recently attended a graduation event for Leadership Journey attendees and a common outcome among graduates was a stronger sense of confidence, enhanced awareness levels, and sharpened skills.<\/p>\n
We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face\u2026 we must do that which we think we cannot.
\n–Eleanor Roosevelt<\/p><\/blockquote>\nThe Confidence Code<\/h2>\n
Coincidentally, this week Good Morning America featured a book: The Confidence Code<\/em> by Claire Shipman and Katty Kay. Their findings reflect a large disparity of confidence levels between men and women. (Yet another gender difference in the workplace!)<\/p>\n
One of the most positive results of the studies reflected that we can increase our confidence level at any age.<\/p>\n
More interesting findings:<\/p>\n
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- Women won\u2019t seek promotions unless they feel they have close to 100 percent of the qualifications, while men will go for it if they think they have 60 percent.<\/li>\n
- After men and women were given the same test, and then asked how they believed they did, women always predicted they performed worse than they did. Men on the other hand tended to think they had done better.<\/li>\n
- Researchers found that women spoke up 75 percent less than males (in the workplace).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The 5 Biggest Mistakes Women Make<\/h3>\n
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- Thinking too much<\/strong> \u2013 Excessive examination which inhibits confidence, delays taking action, and sometimes even prevents decision making<\/li>\n
- Belief that failure is a failure<\/strong> \u2013 There\u2019s a need for more willingness to try new things\/approaches, and a need to understand not everything goes as planned. Make adjustments and learn from the failures!<\/li>\n
- Carry criticism around<\/strong> \u2013 There\u2019s a need to toughen up and move on<\/li>\n
- Inability to leave comfort zone<\/strong> \u2013 Confidence comes from risk-taking, women are too determined to be perfect<\/li>\n
- Not speaking up, or using \u201cup-speak\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 Raising the tone of voice at the end of a sentence in a way that sounds more like a question than a declaration<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Regardless of gender, we all have the opportunity to increase our confidence levels, and our competency skills. It\u2019s time to take control!<\/p>\n
Here’s a Wealth of Information<\/h3>\n
Each week we\u2019ll partner with QwikCoach and provide the ability for you to reinforce or expand your knowledge of a prior topic.<\/p>\n
Last week\u2019s tip focused on Leadership Tools.<\/p>\n