When I asked what makes you feel confident, the responses couldn’t have been more different. This response reflects a feeling that resonated with many of you — to feel good without the need for external validation:
“For me confidence is knowing the heights one’s self is capable of without the requirement
of external validation. It’s probably a lot like what it feels to sky dive, or float on top of the ocean.
A letting go of the ground and everything it stands for. And maybe a letting go of all the expectations,
all the mistakes, all the experience, all the “proof”, but instead just ‘knowing’.”
I have a particular perspective on self and other-awareness. Knowing what you need and bring to the table is only part of the game. When you also know the spectrum of talents, skills and behavior that are required to make things work, you don’t have to be all things to all people. You can just be yourself, let go of the rest, and adapt situationally when someone has a different approach. Take a football team. There is a quarterback, a defensive lineman and a wide receiver. One will think that the answer to most challenges is to run, another to tackle and the third to pass the ball. Each of those solutions brings something, and is right at a different time. Spend as much time as you can in the role that gives you the most confidence, then respect the other perspectives and let them lead when it feels right.
As for resources, most of you know my favorites by now: Myers-Briggs, Social Style or DISC and Strengths Finder. When you read these, look at the styles that are not you. See what you notice and what that awareness can bring to your work with others.
Wishing you wonderful summer fun!
Claire