Blog Archives
Caring For Yourself at Work
The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself. ~Mark Twain
For the past few weeks we have discussed the gender gap existing in pay and opportunity for women in the workforce, focusing on each of the 4 areas identified by experts as problematic. (For more information check out What’s Holding You Back at Work -click on the link and it will take your right there!).
This week we will tackle the final problem area- feelings of self-doubt at work. Remember, ingrained feelings of inadequacy lead women to doubt their ability to lead others. Women are also less likely than their male counterparts to answer difficult questions or volunteer for unfamiliar tasks in the workplace.
While tackling the root causes of inadequacy may require the attention of a trained professional, there are a few simple things you can do to improve self-esteem at work and banish those feelings of self-doubt- starting as soon as tomorrow!
- Practice gratitude. When you focus too much on what you want, rather on what you already have, you become negative and overwhelmed. This can easily be remedied by focusing on the positives- past successes, exceptional skills, loving relationships, and positive growth. When you recognize all that you have and all that you’ve accomplished, you’ll be motivated to take that next step towards success.
- Compliment other people. The way you think about yourself is often projected on to those around you. So when you are feeling bad, you are often critical and insulting to others. The easiest way to break this cycle is to get in the habit of praising others. Make an effort to compliment your coworkers regularly. The positive reaction you receive once treating others better will build your self-confidence
- Smile. Greet others with a smile and look them directly in the eye. A smile and direct eye contact are often overlooked but speak volumes about your level of confidence and self-respect.
Sources & Resources- click on any of the links below for more information!
Denis Waitley, Six Behaviors that Increase Self-Esteem.
pickthebrain.com, 10 Ways to Instantly Build Self Confidence.
What are some easy methods you use to boost your self-esteem throughout your workday? Please share your secrets by commenting below!
Network Like a Pro
In a recent post we discussed the gender gap existing in pay and opportunity for women in the workforce, highlighting 4 areas identified by experts as problematic. (For more information check out What’s Holding You Back at Work -click on the link and it will take your right there!). Each week we will focus on one of these areas and offer suggestions to improve skills and increase opportunities.
Today we’ll talk about team building. Keep in mind, men are better at building a team around them that accentuates their strengths. They are also better at networking, a key component of building a team. Men will connect and help colleagues they barely know. In contrast, women feel they need to build a relationship before helping, leaving them with far less contacts.
So here are 3 things you can do to start building that important business network:
Be nice. Sometimes this can be the hardest thing to do, especially when you are dealing with difficult coworkers or clients, but people are drawn to nice people. Being polite and respectful is a key element in developing successful contacts and often overlooked. Take the extra time to ask a personal question or two and always project a positive attitude. Your enthusiasm will come through loud and clear!
Project success. As we’ve discussed in past posts, the clothes you wear and the way you speak impact the way others treat you, especially at work. Dressing and speaking professionally lets people know that you mean business and should be treated with respect. Everyone wants to do business with a winner!
Create remarkable business cards and use them. Size and shape really do matter, ladies. Thin, boring business cards are often overlooked in today’s busy corporate world. Consider throwing out your standard card and investing in one that is uniquely shaped or made of unexpected materials (plastic, for example). Most experts agree that it’s a good idea to include a picture on your business card. Pictures give cards a more personal feel and people will be more likely to remember you if they can put a face with the name.
Sources & Resources- click on any of the links below for more information!
David Lindahl, 5 Easy Ways to Network Like a Veteran.
Dan Schwabel, 5 Ways to Network in the Real World.
Do you have any networking tips you’d like to share? Please do so by commenting below!
