HOT TOPIC: Regaining Your Confidence and Presence at Work 

This month, we have the pleasure to feature an article written by Ann Lewis, who is an experienced coach and facilitator in coaching and organisational development, on the seven steps to getting yourself back on track from work setbacks and regaining your confidence and presence at work.

When the going gets tough 

As a Leadership Coach, my obvious purpose is to support my clients to become better, more rounded and more authentic leaders.  However, I frequently meet people who have been knocked off balance at work by an experience that has demolished their confidence. Helping them to recover their resilience is our first step.   

The reasons for being off balance are many.  They include bullying (which can happen to anyone, even to CEOs), stress, redundancy, badly managed change, or simply being in the wrong job or the wrong organisation.  Often people limp along on three cylinders, desperately pretending that everything is alright.   

Because it had happened to me, and because I can’t coach everyone, I decided to write a book for anyone who wants to get back on track. Real people who had big work challenges generously allowed me to use their stories to show readers how to get back on track and emerge stronger.  The book contains a wealth of exercises and food for thought, and can also act as a resource for executive coaches.

Tips for getting Back on Track 

When things are going well, work can be fun, fulfilling and rewarding.  But there will be low moments, especially if working relationships are involved, when your self-esteem and confidence plummet leaving you feeling powerless and stuck.   

You may take your frustration home every day, relying on loved ones to pick up the pieces.  This can be very stressful and draining for them, however much they love you.  The support of someone independent – a coach or mentor – can make all the difference to how you cope.  They will help you find ways through without themselves getting hooked into the problem. 

Here are some top tips:

·         Be clear about you want to be different.   Write a story or a poem, or make a collage or a list.  Keep what you create and use it to keep you going.

·         Understand what is happening.  Write it down in detail, or talk to someone you trust. 

·         Review your strengths and values.  What are you good at?  What do you really care about? What would you never compromise?  What experiences can help you?

·         Ask yourself what you will do differently in future to avoid being here again. 

·         Build a plan for going forward, based on your dreams, strengths, expertise and values.   What will you do?  Who can help? 

Staying on track day-to-day

·         Keep revisiting your plan. Check that you’re broadly on track, and adjust if you’re not.

·         Celebrate your successes.

·         Treat mistakes as blessings and learn from them.

·         Be yourself. You’re unique. 

·         Understand the negative voice on your shoulder that kicks in when your confidence is low.  Replace it with an encouraging ‘inner coach’.

·         Take care of yourself - you’ll be in better shape to meet setbacks.

·         Nurture your friendships.

For a unique chance to win a copy of Ann Lewis’ book, Getting Back on Track – Regaining your confidence and presence at work, click here.  

Click here to read more about Ann Lewis and her work.