The Greater Impact of Diversity

One of my most popular workshops focuses on Networking to Enhance a Diverse and Inclusive Business Environment. And it’s popular for a good reason: being able to successfully navigate relationships with individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and generations is essential both for you and your organization.

Doing business overseas has allowed U.S.-based companies to capitalize on rapid growth in emerging markets like China, India, and Latin America, and to earn much stronger profits than they would if they were totally dependent on the U.S. economy. In fact, almost half of the profits of companies in the Fortune 500 now come from overseas.

On a more local level, diverse populations are becoming increasingly affluent, and compose an important part of the market for goods and services. U.S Census data predicts that there will be no racial or ethnic majority by 2045 and that by 2050, 1 in 3 people living in the U.S. will be Hispanic. Also, by 2020, members of Generation Y/Millenials (born 1980-1994) will make up 50% of the workforce and by 2025, 3 out of every 4 workers around the globe will be Generation Y/Millenials.

Our definition of diversity encompasses both the traditional categories, like gender, ethnicity and age, as well as additional characteristics, like religious beliefs, military experience, and parental status. This can make for a complex environment to navigate, especially because many of us have an innate tendency to stereotype. But overriding this is both personally rewarding and a business imperative. According to Dr. Joy DeGruy, an inclusion and diversity expert, fostering a multicultural staff has become a necessity both in business and personal life. We will be very limited both personally and professionally if we can only form relationships with people with whom we don’t have to make an effort to connect.

“If we don’t intentionally include, we unintentionally exclude. The power of diversity thrives in a culture of inclusion.” ~Corey L. Jamison and Frederick A. Miller, The Linkage Leader: 7 Actions for Creating an Inclusive Organization

The reality is, whether you work for Coca-Cola, Home Depot, CNN, Turner Entertainment Networks, SalesLoft, SalesForce, Mercedes, Porsche, ESPN,Georgia Tech, Society of CPAs, Equifax, Southern Company, or yourself, the ability to understand, appreciate, and network with individuals whose life experiences may be different from yours is absolutely critical to your success.

Working for CNN, which has both local and international divisions, I am constantly reminded of the critical importance of diversity. For example, during the pope’s recent visit to the United States, the producers tapped in to the expertise of my Catholic colleagues who knew exactly when it was appropriate to take a commercial break during the Mass and when it may have appeared insensitive.

So the question is, how skilled are you at building relationships in a diverse business environment, and more to the point, do you maximize every opportunity? Let’s start with what stops us.

In my workshops from Dubai to Durban, I hear the same explanations for why some of us fail to network in diverse environments. These range from “deep-seated prejudices” to “I don’t have time” to “I don’t know how to do it.” In most cases, the responses reveal the very human tendency to profile, box and fit individuals into categories in one’s mind. So what you want to do is acknowledge that you have those impulses, and then override them in order to really see those whose backgrounds are different from your own as human beings. Then you can get to know each and every person you work with in a more profound way.

Do we make the effort to understand each other’s worlds, to really make friends with people who may at first glance appear so different from ourselves? Do we know the names of their children, and the biggest challenges they are facing? You may be surprised to learn that your workaholic colleague from a Latin American country is expected to support a large extended family back home, or that your seemingly demure Asian colleague comes from a culture where questioning the decisions and orders of a superior is simply not done.

I am fortunate to work with a very multi-faceted and diverse team both at CNN and in my training and speaking, so I have had the privilege of getting to know people not as stereotypes, but as individuals, and that is a great way to start.

You have to see people beyond the cardboard cutouts that they may represent to you. You will soon realize that there is much more to each individual than his or her “label.” More importantly, people can sense it when you’re not fully seeing them, and if that’s the case, they may be experiencing quite painful and resentful emotions. Needless to say, this does not help to foster workplace harmony and productivity, or, as Dr. Joy points out, contribute to retaining staff whose multicultural expertise is vital for your business success.

So, how do you reach out to people in a way that demonstrates you have a genuine interest in them beyond their “identity?”

One approach is to look for commonalities and to try to see the world that an individual from a different culture inhabits. For example, at a recent presentation in San Francisco, I was faced with the task of developing relationships with a group of men in their 30s. How did I reach them? They were all very interested in sports, so I made sure I knew what teams they were likely to be rooting for. If I have a Hispanic audience, I share my addiction to some riveting Latin American crime dramas that are currently available on Netflix. I also speak about my interest in how Spanish differs from region to region.

In cases where the commonalities may be less obvious, I ask people how their culture is different from mine, which typically yields very interesting results. For example, one woman from China revealed how she had to adjust to American culture by being more direct and speaking up more. I was also fascinated to learn how business and hierarchical cultures differ from country to country. And then you can always ask for ethnic food recommendations, which most people are happy to share, particularly when you are visiting an area you are not familiar with.

“Talking about differences can be hard. We’re so afraid we’ll make an erroneous assumption or say something offensive that any natural curiosity we feel toward another is stifled. Respectful inquisitiveness is one of the hallmarks of flexing to bridge the differences gap.” ~ Audrey S. Lee,Flex: The New Playbook for managing across Differences

Then there is also the challenge of responding if you sense that you someone is stereotyping you. Dr. Joy suggests that your first task is to work to change that person’s perception by not appearing to be angry or offended. Still, there are those people who unfortunately will never see us for who we are. In that case, she suggests, the thing to do is to recognize their limitations and not take their behavior personally.

And so I challenge us all, every day to see the value that different perspectives bring, and then to build real, meaningful relationships with as diverse a group of people as possible. The result, I guarantee, will be an enormously enriched personal and professional life!

The Greater Impact of Accepting Imperfection

Often, we get so caught up thinking we have to be perfect that we become paralyzed.
One of the most liberating things that I emphasize in my Presentation Skills programs is that you don’t have to be “perfect” to be an effective speaker. You just have to be the best possible version of yourself.

I always remind people that nobody views you with the microscopic lens with which you view yourself.

Author of The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz reminds us that everyone is so busy starring in their own movie, they don’t observe yours as closely as you assume they do.

If for example you stumble over a word or sentence, calmly say “let me rephrase that” or “let me reconnect my mind to my mouth” and your audience will hardly notice. However, if you think you have to say it perfectly and begin over, your “mistake” will be much more glaring.

The key here is to let go of believing you have to be flawless. I cannot tell you how many times I have been live on air or giving a keynote address and stumbled over a word or phrase. When I ask the audience afterwards if they noticed anything amiss, they seldom have.

Last year I was speaking at the Home Depot Store Managers meeting in Vegas. The stage manager switched the clock from one side of the stage to the other, so when I looked down the clock had vanished.

When I asked the audience how much time I had remaining, someone shouted out 8 minutes….I mentally panicked, and started to rush. I then looked at the other side of the stage and realized I in fact still had 18 minutes and had heard incorrectly.

When I asked the organizers if they had noticed my few minutes of uncertainty, not one of them had.

I was reminded of Don Miguel Ruiz.

Don’t think I didn’t beat myself up for not wearing a watch and not being aware of the stage clock switch (a mistake I will never make again!). But I look back and say it may not have been “perfect” but everyone got the message I was communicating and still enjoyed the program.

You see we don’t have to be PERFECT to be IMPACTFUL!
Let perfectionism go!

 

The Greater Impact of Mutual Reciprocation

I recently had the pleasure of joining brand guru Melissa Simkins to discuss the topic of expert networking. Here are a few of the key points that came out of the conversation.

Be a go-giver

We often think of networking as the process of approaching others whom we believe have something to offer us. But the most successful networkers strive to provide value to their contacts, as well. If you’re not in a position to help a contact with their career, maybe you can offer them advice or information in another area. Even simply offering a compliment about their recent accomplishments is of value. In short, don’t just be a go-getter — be a go-giver, as well.

Ask respectfully

When you’re asking a contact for a favor, try not to give the impression that you feel you’re entitled to their help. Start with a compliment, and let them know that you’re grateful for anything they can do. Say something along the lines of, “You’ve been so successful in your field, any advice you may have for me would be much appreciated.”

Be a resource

It’s important to support others who come to you for favors or advice, because they may be in a position in the future to help you out when you need it. Networking is reciprocal. And if someone asks you for help in an area where you’re unable to provide it, do your best to refer them to someone else who may be able to lend a hand.

Nurture your current contacts

Networking isn’t just about meeting new people. It’s also about maintaining relationships with those already in your circle. Be systematic about your maintenance strategy. Pass along articles of interest, send birthday wishes — anything to let your contacts know that you’re thinking of them. This can also mean writing regular blogs or sending out newsletters with information your network will find valuable.

Be authentic

Many of us believe that we have to be extroverts in order to be successful networkers. But that’s not the case. You don’t have to be the most outgoing person in the room — and you don’t have to approach a potential contact and introduce yourself out of the blue. If you’re at an event, approach a group — they’re likely to draw you in to their conversation in a more organic way. To get the ball rolling, just start by making small talk. Forcing yourself to come off as more extroverted than you are is likely to appear insincere, and being genuine is an important part of establishing real connections.

The Greater Impact of Thought Stopping

Yesterday I had the pleasure of running into someone who had recently attended one of my programs. She told me that the concept of thought stopping and thought replacement that I had spoken about was truly life changing. She said she only wished she had known about it earlier.

For me personally, it is also one of the most valuable tools, and something I practice frequently. I wrote about it a while back, and am re-sending as a reminder that when we get caught up in negative, unproductive thinking we do have options.

The example that often comes to mind for me is the 2010 Soccer World Cup. It was an enormously exciting and uplifting event for all South Africans and, participating from afar, I found myself wondering what would have happened if my family had not relocated to Atlanta from South Africa. In fact, I found myself entangled in a whole series of “what if’s:” What if we had stayed? Would life have been easier? Would it have been better for my daughters to have grown up closer to family and lifelong friends?

I spent an enormous amount of time pondering those questions, but then I began to realize that while wondering “what if” is quite normal, spending hours dwelling on “what if” is counterproductive.

It was at this point that my internal monitoring system kicked in, and I started to practice a cognitive behavioral technique called Thought Stopping.

This relatively simple technique involves becoming very conscious of your negative thoughts; then, as you realize they are spiraling out of control, you literally tell yourself to STOP, and replace them with other thoughts or ideas.

My friend Joy describes this as putting an arrow through your thought; she always says if the thought is not “paying rent” then kick it out.

Therapist Nancy Loeb suggests you even use a physical trigger to “Thought Stop,” such as snapping a plastic band you have on your wrist, or rubbing your ring.

What thoughts are hanging you up? It could be anything from dwelling on a past relationship that you know you should let go of, to negative self-talk about your physical appearance, or regret about stocks you should have bought.

What if we could replace those thoughts? Wouldn’t that be liberating? I keep trying, and although it doesn’t stop the thoughts from entering my mind, it certainly can thwart the damage they do to my mood, my day and my life.

In essence, is your thinking assisting you in being productive or are you allowing your thoughts to inadvertently sabotage you?

I truly believe there is enormous power in having the mental discipline to thought STOP and Thought REPLACE.

What techniques do you use to stop negative or unproductive thoughts from derailing you? I’d love to hear from you!

The Greater Impact of SalesLoft

I recently had the great pleasure of speaking at Bold at Brunch, an event hosted by SalesLoft during the Salesforce annual conference, Dreamforce 2015.

In 2011, Kyle Porter and David Cummings founded SalesLoft, an Atlanta-based software company whose products automate list building and sync the information with the client’s CRM [customer relationship management]. Soon after its inception, technology architect Rob Forman joined Porter as SalesLoft’s Co-Founder and COO. Together they have grown the company exponentially, and taken the product to new heights.

The company’s values include promoting positivity, supporting one another, and encouraging employees to be self-starters. In 2012, the company was named one of the Top 10 Innovative Technology Companies in Georgia. SalesLoft was also named Best Place to Work in Atlanta for a mid-sized company by the Atlanta Business Chronicle — and for good reason. Here are a few lessons we can take away from their ingenuity.

Fill a need

SalesLoft has been successful largely because its product filled a gap in the market. By creating a product that makes the most of social networks and other tools, the company’s founders made it possible for sales development representatives to partially “semi-automate” aspects of their work, thereby enabling them to work more efficiently without losing personalization. Innovation is not always about creating something bright and flashy — often, it is simply about identifying a need and finding a more effective way to meet it.

Take risks

Starting a business is always risky — particularly when you’re offering something that’s different from what’s currently on the market. The company’s founders clearly had the skills and knowledge to find secure positions at established technology companies. But they decided to take a chance on something different – and it paid off. There are certainly times when it is appropriate to be cautious — but the safest path is not always the most rewarding one. Knowing when to take a leap is a crucial aspect of success.

Rock the boat

SalesLoft started its journey in the Atlanta Tech Village, an office building that’s home to new startup companies developing disruptive technologies. The philosophy is that, in order to be truly innovative, one must not be afraid to do things differently. Those who bring about real advances are the ones who aren’t afraid to challenge conventions and propose new, more effective products, ideas, and processes.

The Greater Impact of Andres, Omelets, and Excellence

Andres Sanchez is the omelet chef at the cafeteria at Home Depot’s Atlanta Store Support Center. I have the great pleasure of watching him in action every time I am in the building. This morning, I was particularly struck by how extraordinary he really is. He single-handedly manages to make no fewer than five to six omelets at a time, and he does it with ease, efficiency, and a most convivial attitude. I have traveled a great deal, and watched omelets being prepared in hotels from Dubai to Durban and I have yet to encounter anyone who comes close to Andres.

Given his excellence, and the fact that he always remembers your usual order, Andres is somewhat of a legend at the HD SSC. It makes one realize that being superb at your job, and doing it in a way that goes above and beyond expectation, does and should receive acclaim.

So, what makes Andres so extraordinary? Here are some of my thoughts — for those of you who know Andres, please share your thoughts, and for those of you who know someone like Andres, please tell us their story.

Be invested in others

Despite the fact that he serves so many people each day, Andres is able to recall not only his customers’ names, but their favorite dishes, as well. Whether it’s a business connection, a friend, or a family member, taking the time to demonstrate that you genuinely care about the other person is invaluable to maintaining a healthy relationship. We’re all busy these days, but taking just a few minutes to let others know that you’re thinking of them can go a long way.

Create an effective process

Andres is a master omelet chef — as mentioned above, he can make up to six at once. He’s able to do this because he has an effective process that he follows each time. He’s not simply throwing ingredients around in a disorganized manner — rather, he always follows the same step-by-step procedure, so nothing is overlooked. At this point, he has it down to an art, and his process allows him to whip up an omelet quickly without sacrificing quality.

Give it your best

It’s an age-old saying, but it’s true. While an omelet may not be the most challenging dish for a skilled chef like Andres, he knows it is nonetheless important for him to do his best. He takes pride in his work, and it shows. As a result, his customers enjoy phenomenal breakfasts, and continue returning to him day after day.

Because he’s doing good work, Andres projects a genuine sense of joy. Anytime I’m in his kitchen, my spirits are lifted. This is how we should make our teams and employees feel. And it’s how we deserve to feel, as well.

The Greater Impact of Daniel Silva

Former executive producer of Crossifre Daniel Silva is the best-selling author of 18 thriller and espionage novels, 15 of which feature his popular protagonist Gabriel Allon. In his most recent novel, The English Spy, a former member of the British royal family is sunk on her yacht, and it is Allon’s job to track down her killer.

I sat down with Silva to discuss his work, the upcoming presidential election, terrorism, and more. Below are the highlights from our interview.

NB (me): You’re now number one on the New York Times’ best sellers list, how does that make you feel?

DANIEL SILVA: It’s beautiful news. I’ve been number one six times and it’s always exciting for me and for the people in my publishing house, the people who design the cover, who do the ad promotion, my publisher, my editor. It’s a lot of fun for everyone when you get to number one, so I’m very pleased by it.

NB: In your books, you speak about terrorism with such detail, and you do such unbelievable research. Did you ever anticipate a group like ISIS?

DS: Absolutely! And I anticipated Al Qaeda, as well. When I was a correspondent in Egypt I had an occasion to meet with Egyptian extremists who were a part of something that was about to become Al Qaeda. I saw it from the very beginning, so I was not surprised by the attacks of 9/11. I feared that something like this was going to come. I’ve been watching the situation closely for a very long time.

NB: So what’s to be done? How does one combat the monster that has become ISIS?

DS: Here’s the problem with ISIS, there’s no negotiating with them. What do they want from us? In the case of the IRA, for example, there was something to be traded. Even Al Qaeda wanted to drive us out of the Middle East, they wanted a certain, specific set of goals. What does ISIS want? How do you negotiate with them? How do you reach some sort of agreement or accommodation with them? You can’t. And I’m afraid that we have to go in there at some point and tear them out root and branch.

NB: As the former executive producer of CNN’s Crossfire and a novelist with a huge following, are you excited about any of the presidential candidates on either side?

DS: I think it’s a very interesting year to see this play out because obviously, you have a little bit of chaos on the Republican side. And you have the situation on the Democratic side where it looks like it might stumble on the way to a coronation.

NB: A stumble on the way to whose coronation?

DS: Well, it was going to be Secretary Clinton’s coronation but Senator Sanders is doing his best to interrupt that so it’s going to be very interesting to watch.

NB: Do you think Donald Trump is going for this seriously?

DS: Of course. I do think he’s going for it seriously. He’s already number two in the recent polls. He has a lot of money. He’s tapping into frustration in a certain segment of the electorate and it would be unwise to underestimate him.

ND: You have a son and daughter who are twins, and there are twins in The English Spy. Coincidence?

DS: Of course not. I think writers leave little bits and pieces of themselves with all their characters.

Nadia: I got asked this question when people found I was interviewing you —  is Gabriel Allon your alter ego?

DS: No he’s not. I know that some writers have a vision of themselves as the action hero. I am not a nerdy, bookish guy —  I am not someone who thinks of  himself as an intelligence officer, professional assassin, or anything like that. He’s not my alter ego. And I frankly, sometimes I feel a little sorry for him. I wouldn’t want to do the kind of work that he does, actually.

The Greater Impact of Different Perspectives

Recently, I spoke with Melissa Dawn Simkins, president of Velvet Suite, a firm that helps clients build strong brands, about the importance of seeking out different perspectives, both in business and in life. It’s easy for us to become so trapped in our own opinions and our routine ways of doing things that we’re unable to see other options and opportunities. Here are a few of Melissa’s suggestions for avoiding tunnel vision.

Build a “brain squad”

According to Melissa, it is important to surround yourself with individuals who have diverse skills and areas of expertise. This personal board of directors – or “brain squad” as she calls it – will serve as a committee of experts, each of whom you can turn to when you need advice in a particular area. Maybe you have a colleague who is skilled at public speaking, so you turn to her when you need input on your upcoming presentation. Perhaps there’s a friend who is an excellent writer – don’t be afraid to reach out to him if you’re working on an important paper or report.

Don’t be one-dimensional

Many of us are extremely busy, and also very committed to our work. While being invested in your career is a good thing, the potential downfall is that putting so much time and energy into your work may lead you to neglect to cultivate other areas of your life. Melissa suggests expanding your brain squad beyond those who can give you career advice, and including individuals who can guide you in other areas of your life, as well.

“My brain squad has included a male friend who made sure I took breaks from work to have fun, and a woman who gave me relationship advice,” Melissa said. In a sense, these are different “versions” of yourself – the work version, the play version, the relationship version, etc. Expanding your brain squad can give you the support you need to integrate those different versions and give them all the attention they need.

Choose your words mindfully

Another factor that can shape how we approach experiences in our careers and our lives is how we talk about our experiences.  As Melissa said, “Everything starts with words. If you don’t have language for it, it’s not real.”

So if you’re facing a challenge and you’re feeling stuck, take a moment to mindfully examine how you’re describing the challenge, both to yourself and others. If your language is unnecessarily negative, try instead to start speaking about the situation using more neutral or positive terminology. Changing your words can change how you experience and conceptualize a challenge.

The Greater Impact of Desmond Tutu

“Forgiveness does not relieve someone of responsibility for what they have done. Forgiveness does not erase accountability. It is not about turning a blind eye or even turning the other cheek. It is not about letting someone off the hook or saying it is okay to do something monstrous. Forgiveness is simply about understanding that every one of us is both inherently good and inherently flawed.” ~Desmond Tutu

Earlier this week, I heard the news that retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu had been admitted to a South African hospital for the third time in recent months. He was hospitalized on Monday for inflammation, a separate condition from the one for which he was previously treated.

I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect on his remarkable achievements, as well as some of the lessons we can learn from him in terms of PRESENCE and LEADERSHIP.

As a journalist in South Africa, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet the man, who is fondly referred to as “The Bish,”  at a birthday celebration for Nelson Mandela, at which president Bill Clinton spoke. The Archbishop asked if he could sit next to me, and I was floored. It was a very pleasant surprise to have the chance to personally meet a man I held in such high regard, and I was struck by his warmth and humility.

Desmond Tutu, 83, was the first black Archbishop of Cape Town, and bishop of the Anglican Church of South Africa. In 1984, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to help end South African apartheid. He has campaigned to fight racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, HIV/AIDS, and more.

Beginning in the 1970’s, Tutu supported movements working to oppose apartheid. In 1976, he was appointed Secretary General of the South African Council of Churches, which allowed him to continue his work with agreement from nearly all churches. He promoted a non-violent approach to ending apartheid.                   

In 1995, Nelson Mandela’s Government of National Unity created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, of which Tutu was chairman. The commission was established to help South Africans move forward from their country’s troubled past, to investigate violations that had taken place between 1960 and 1994, and to provide support and reparation to apartheid victims and their families. However, while Tutu historically supported Mandela, last year he said that he did not support Mandela’s party, the African National Congress, as it has failed to live up to the moral example set by Mandela himself.

To accomplish all that Archbishop Tutu has achieved, one must be a skilled leader who knows how to connect with others. So what can we learn from Tutu when it comes to cultivating a strong presence?

Be genuine

When I met Archbishop Tutu, I noticed that he was not a large man. This surprised me, because his presence often seems larger than life. However, while he may not be the most physically imposing person in the room, he is able to connect with and inspire others because he is remarkably genuine. When you hear him speak, you know that he deeply believes and cares about the topics he is discussing. Authenticity is one of the most important aspects of a powerful presence.

Have a strong argument

One of Desmond Tutu’s famous quotes is, “Don’t raise your voice; improve your argument.” If you want others to follow your lead, bullying them into a course of action is not the way to go. Rather, successful leaders are able to intelligently and powerfully articulate their points of view, and are therefore more likely to gain the trust and loyalty of their teams.

Be compassionate

Tutu has spoken about the importance of forgiveness, and has worked tirelessly to oppose discrimination in all forms, saying, for example, that he “would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven,” and noting that, “When we oppress others, we end up oppressing ourselves.” Holding on to anger or negative feelings about others will do you no good. Rather, it is likely to make you come across as petty and insensitive, and this will certainly work against you when you’re trying to cultivate presence. On the other hand, being compassionate and open-minded toward others will give you access to new ideas and ways of thinking, and will demonstrate to others that you are approachable and eager to build positive relationships.                

Choose your words carefully

Archbishop Tutu once said, “Language is very powerful. Language does not just describe reality. Language creates the reality it describes.” Whether you’re giving a presentation, writing a report, or engaged in a debate, speaking out of anger, or choosing your words without care, will likely create unwanted setbacks and conflicts. Being mindful of the words you use will significantly shape the way that others view you.

In many ways, it can be said that Archbishop Desmond Tutu exemplifies the best of the human condition. He believes in and fights for justice and equality, and he does so from a place of humility and compassion.  We would likely all do well to learn from his example.

The Greater Impact of Confidence and Attitude

Many of us believe that it is our accomplishments that will help up to succeed. And that is partially true. Having a track record of good work is an important factor that certainly contributes to your advancement. But projecting a sense of confidence is crucial, as well. In order to do that, you need to approach your journey with the right attitude – that is, you need to believe in yourself and your abilities, and know that you deserve to succeed.

Here are a few ways that having a positive attitude will help you move forward.

It will bring attention to your successes.

It’s tempting to believe that your achievements will speak for themselves – that when your manager is looking to promote someone, he or she will examine each candidate’s track record and choose accordingly. But that’s not always the case. It’s likely that the other candidates have a history of successes, as well, and if you want to stand out, you’ll need to have the confidence to do a little self-promotion. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but there are certainly ways to call attention to your achievements without coming off as arrogant or opportunistic. For example, you can circulate an email congratulating your team on a recent achievement, while also briefly mentioning the part you played in your team’s success.

It will encourage you take risks.

Typically, men will apply for promotions even if the job description lists many criteria they don’t meet. This is because they’re confident enough to believe they’ll be able to pick up the additional skills on the job. On the other hand, as women, we tend to wait until we’ve met nearly all the criteria before applying. But of course, this doesn’t have to be the case – you can step up, just the way many men do. Once you believe you have the talent and intelligence to adapt and learn new skills, you will stop holding yourself back. When we believe in ourselves, we become less afraid of failure, and we begin to understand that even if we do fail, we’ll bounce back stronger and wiser than before. This makes it significantly easier for us to take risks.

It will help you make the right impression.

You could be the most talented person in your field, but if you don’t believe in yourself, others will pick up on that. What we put out into the world comes back to us. If you’re projecting a sense of self-doubt, others will feel uncertain about your abilities, as well. But if you demonstrate confidence and self-assuredness, they’ll be more inclined to believe you have what it takes to succeed.

It will make the disappointments easier to handle.

Even the most confident among us make mistakes and get turned down now and then. If you’re doubting yourself, it will be easy to see these bumps in the road as evidence that you’re not “good enough.” And that kind of thinking will hold you back. But if you have confidence in yourself and your skills, you’ll understand that we all stumble sometimes, and you’ll be able to see the challenges as opportunities to grow and learn.