People come to leadership coaching for many reasons but almost all are looking to build their confidence so that they can make more impact.
This reminds me of a motivational talk given by the great Oprah Winfrey where she reflects on the 35000 people she’s interviewed including Presidents, housewives, criminals and celebrities and remarks that everyone, after finishing their interview, turns to her and asks in their own way, … ‘was I ok?’
We all have doubts, fears and uncertainties that plague us and coaching not only helps reassure us that we are indeed ok but, further than that, it helps us build that vital confidence that is essential when we are trying to make a difference.
Let me tell you a quick story about Martin, a commercial director who I was working with a few years ago. .
“I’m feeling a bit frustrated at work†I remember him saying. “I’ve just started working in a new senior leadership team but I just can’t seem to get any airtime. I know I’m coming across as very quiet but I just don’t want to compete with all the alpha males who always seem to dominate. I come out of all these meetings feeling demotivated and feel that I’m adding very little value.â€
Martin and I talked about what was holding him back and began to work on him being more energising – but then an event occurred that changed everything.
“I had a great SLT meeting today†Martin told me. “It was a breakthrough.â€
“So what happened?†I asked.
“Well just before the meeting my boss called me over and told me that my division had recorded its best ever result. And when I went into the SLT a few minutes later I felt brilliant and somehow found it much easier to talk. And people asked questions and seemed genuinely interested and pleased for me and for the first time I feel I know my place in that team.â€
And this highlights to me one of the important secrets about confidence. Sometimes it’s really helpful to work on yourself and tackle your personal blockers but alongside this you also need people around you who totally believe in you and have absolutely no problem in telling you how great you are.
For leadership coaching that can help you with your confidence, impact, self-belief contact anthonylandale@aol.com or call 07791 564763