Careers
fromFast Company
2 days agoThe 4 most reliable ways to build confidence at work
Confidence directly impacts career success, salary, and job satisfaction, yet most people struggle with self-doubt despite achieving success.
When I first met Rashida, she introduced herself with a disclaimer: "I'm a little intense." She said it with a grimace, as if the label left a bad taste in her mouth. I replied, "Good to know. What else should I know about you?" She told me she was a mother, a recent pickleball enthusiast, and a leader in risk and compliance at a Fortune 500 company. I thought maybe such a role demanded intensity, but I still asked, "Where does that 'intense' label come from?"
Glassdoor's latest numbers show something many leaders might not expect: Confidence is rising among those at the beginning and middle of their careers. Entry-level confidence ticked up 1.9 points and mid-level roles rose 2.3. After several years defined by layoffs, volatility, and reorganization, you'd think this group would be the most anxious. But instead, they're slowly stabilizing-and in many cases, feeling more empowered.
Remote work has completely reshaped our working lives, and the benefits are, of course, innumerable. But there are a few downsides, namely the gaps that can be created by the lack of face-to-face interaction. Especially if you're early in your career, this lack of feedback, guidance and mentorship can leave some workers feeling a bit lost, and a confidence killer is often ready and waiting to fill that vacuum: impostor syndrome.