Need to Look Confident and Credible? Ask Yogesh Sood.
Dear Yogesh,
I am going to start working as a senior content writer at an advertising agency. As this is a new role and new team, I was hoping you can give me some advice on how to be more confident around new people and establish credibility for my work.
I have noticed in my previous role that people often talk down to me—for example, explaining things I already know or even taking credit for my work. I am on the younger side and not a very confident person in general.
Do you have any suggestions that could help me avoid such a situation? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Regards,
Raman
Dear Raman,
I would like to congratulate you on your new role. Your questions explain a few things about your personality. You are certainly an individual who likes to plan things and someone who is a great observer. These are admirable qualities that a proficient employee should have. As you’ve mentioned that your ideas have been used by others is an unfortunate experience but certainly great learning. This might have taught you not to trust anyone until you have evidence that they are trustworthy.
Confidence is when your mind and body are in control, and you don’t have to struggle to keep your dialogue and thoughts connected. It can be smiling and making eye contact with everyone you engage with, standing straight, and maintaining stillness.
Another thing to take control of is that your body language in no way should reflect that you are stressed about the situation. A simple exercise that you can try is two-to-one breathing. You can simply take three breaths, hold for one count, and release the breath for six counts. Repeat. There are researches that prove that this kind of breathing enables your parasympathetic nervous system to calm you down in a way that normal thinking or breathing doesn’t.
The physical stuff that is around you can be great tools of defense. Once you have mastered control over your body, it is time to control what goes inside your head. I would suggest you use your great observation skills to pay attention to what other people are saying rather than guessing and answering straight away. Stop and reflect before you make any decision in your head. Try to gather more and more information about the people around you, as it will give you the power to frame your thoughts and actions when you’re with them. Ask yourself what is important to each of the people you are interacting with.
As for credibility, it will come as you deliver results. Be crystal clear about the expectations that others have of you, and plan your work in advance to give your best. Do everything you can to get an idea about what your boss and teammates are expecting from you, and then deliver. Be sure you fulfill the timelines you give and make promises you know you can keep.
Another important thing to remember is that you should speak only when it is required. It is better to stay behind and observe rather than prompt answers or statements. When in a meeting, speak only when you think a point is a hundred percent necessary and try to keep it straightforward, simple, and to the point.
Pay attention, take notes, and deliver on expectations. Keep your body in control with your thoughts and your hands and feet still, and breathe. Trust no one until you know they can be trusted.
You are going to do great.
Regards,
Yogesh Sood
The above is an adaptation of a blog written by MADELEINE HOMAN BLANCHARD on DECEMBER 11, 2021