Developing confidence as a project manager
Confidence is extremely important in every sphere of life. Countless individuals are caught up in the struggle to find it and keep it. This is especially true for project management professionals who are put through grueling challenges that may shake up their confidence. Project management professionals starting out in their career often develop doubts about their abilities when working with more experienced people. Have you ever fallen into a similar confidence crisis? If so, you need to act now! A project manager with low confidence lowers his team's morale and is unable to deliver his best to the project.
Here are a few ways you can overcome the odds by shedding the excess baggage of self-doubt and pushing ahead with full confidence:
1. Seek out constant improvement
The workplace can be an intimidating place. Countless individuals have more knowledge and experience than you. But remember, everyone started out the way you did, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Instead, focus all your energy on learning about the business. Improve constantly and learn everything you need to know. This can help you perform better and, in turn, create a positive impact on your confidence level
2. Identify and play to your strengths
All project management professionals are not alike. Each one may have a different set of skills and a unique approach to tackling problems. While it is easier to choose the same path that has worked for previous Project Managers it is much more prudent to figure out what works the best for you as an individual. Even if you do your job extremely well, it rarely helps you gain confidence to follow in the footsteps of others rather than create your own identity Only when you are aware of your own competence could it translate itself into confidence.
3. Get Certified
Never underestimate the power of a certification in boosting your confidence. If you're feeling insecure about the level of knowledge and skills you have, then try studying project management. Enroll yourself in a PMP exam review course and attempt the PMP exam. Not only will it improve your project management knowledge, but, the Project management certification will also be highly recognized by your peers. This, in turn, will empower you to compete confidently in the professional environment.
4. Fake it till you make it
If your confidence level is not up to the mark, do not let others on your team know it. Even if you pretend to be confident, you've won half the battle right there. Maintain a fresh attitude and the right body language. Dress smartly to work, stand tall, put on a smile and maintain a calm composure even in times of distress. Eventually, you'll start to feel real confidence because your team will start believing in you.
5. Form a support system
As a project management professional, planning a project or making important decisions all comes down to you, right? Wrong! If you do not know something, it's better to own up to it and seek from people who do know about it. Give importance to other experienced people, form a support system and value their contribution to the team. This approach not only makes you feel more confident in the decisions you make, but it also helps maintain a positive attitude in the team.
A sheer lack of confidence can be a stumbling block on your career path. Ups and downs are commonplace, but with a confident attitude and belief in your abilities you can steer the project to success.
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