Creative Confidence
Finding your voice within ...
Where and how do we gain confidence?
Is it only when you have enough experience in a specific field?
Not necessarily, even a different perspective can shed light into untapped opportunities. Confidence comes knowing that you are in the right place, you belong and can add value to the discussion.
When you have a leadership meeting or executive presentation or an interview, take a deep breath and look at how far you have come. Not every journey is the same and we can all appreciate the diversity of perspectives and varied lenses shining light onto the problem and opportunity at hand. Be agile and open in receiving ideas.
Make sure you have done your homework - due diligence is key to knowing your numbers and assessing the context of the problem/challenge.
Outline the key stakeholders and core teams involved in the decision. A RAPID framework can provide clarity and focus in decision making.
Present the solution and alternatives, risks and opportunities with a growth mindset.
Lead the conversation
We don’t need all the answers. We need the right frameworks to carry the conversation forward. We need the confidence to lead the way and be comfortable with the unknown.
Sharing the portfolio roadmap prioritization and RAPID frameworks that helped guide the direction and focus the discussion with leadership.
Portfolio Roadmap Prioritization
Understanding what your core stakeholder interests are will ensure a smooth delivery. Try to connect with the core team early on in the process and seek input and feedback. If this is the first time, they are seeing the presentation or proposal, they may be adverse to the idea.
Bring folks into the process early on. Remember the IKEA effect: Labor leads to love. We are more aligned if we are part of the process versus when we are informed of the outcome/decision and its impact on our day to day projects at work or life.
Stakeholder and Leadership Alignment
Be your authentic voice
Don’t be afraid to raise concerns or shed light to the wrongs in the workplace. Each of us have an authentic voice. We need to be brave and be comfortable with who we are and be ok if folks don’t understand.
If there is a difference in thought and view point, embrace it and if it’s not your path ahead, be brave to shift to the next lane no matter how challenging it will be. Inertia is our biggest enemy. If we can fight status quo and build a voice that is truly us, we are already in a better world. No pretend, just the real self in its entirety.
Who is your hero and leader that inspires you to be your best self?
Here are folks that have lived through the times to show us the way. Find 2-3 folks that shape your definition of confidence and see what they mean to you.
What about their voice derives confidence in what they do?
Why does their voice matter to you?
How can you be channeling their energy into your daily actions?
Your confidence is within reach. Seek and you shall find, as they say!
When I set to start 2023, I took the self-reflection challenge to find my inner voice. To do what truly matters. I had no idea how and when I was going to make this happen. But here I am - traveling and mentoring as I shared in December 2022.
It is a wonderful feeling to look back and feel the confidence in knowing you had it in you to do this. To follow your dreams and aspirations. To believe.
I was scared and fear was all around me, doubting every action and decision. But now, I feel the universe is with me along the way. That anything is truly possible. The world is my oyster.
Embrace fear
So, from one who has lived in fear all her life to the new me, all I have to say is this:
Fear will be right next to you everytime, you do something out of your comfort zone. You will struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And that’s ok. Confidence is a zone that we enter once we embrace fear and welcome with both hands.
Take a deep breath and take it one day at a time. At least that seems to keep me moving forward. And I can plan for the next month as I live my fullest in this moment.
I am blessed for the life and the people in my life. Truly grateful for the times ahead.
Whether you have a presentation, an interview or a conversation with your manager, take a few seconds to get your power pose. You got this! We are rooting for you.
Be Confident.
Be Authentic.
Be Fearless.
Be You.