Don't be afraid to give it a shot...

I’ve known many wonderful people who were competent long before they were confident.

 

·      Many 

·      Learn on the job.

·      Too often they fail to realize

·      How much they know as they’re learning.

·      Competence and confidence need to go hand in hand.

 

I always liked General Norman Schwarzkopf’s Rule 13: “when given command, take charge” because the confidence people gain when taking charge spurs their competence and confidence. It’s been my experience that (1) qualified people must still grow into jobs, (2) their on-the-job learning is the best way to grow their knowledge, skills, and abilities, and (3) It helps to find a coach and mentor who will be there to answer questions and provide real-time guidance. A coach needs to be a good teacher, an objective observer, and an enthusiastic supporter who catches people doing things right.  Everyone’s different, so give people being coached enough time to learn. But coaches and the people being coached must be honest with themselves – if it’s not working (but they’re good people with great attitudes), get more help or find them another job within the organization. Either way, don’t be afraid to give it a shot – most (again, in my experience) step up, grow into their positions, and succeed.  And when they do, they become dedicated and loyal employees. Do what it takes to develop competence and confidence today.

 

Carrie Frances Fisher (1956 – 2016): American actress and writer who played (among many other great parts) Princess Leia in the Star Wars films (1977–1983).