Over the years, I have developed relationships with some very capable people in the business world. From each of these people there is something to learn. One of these people, a very capable woman, who has achieved some very high level things in the business world, shared something with me. In a conversation several years ago, she said that each time she became involved in something, she was apprehensive about being able to do it. To accomplish what needed to be done.
Bear in mind that she started two banks and for several years was the head of a very large function of the government in Washington, D.C. Each time there was a major challenge for her to undertake, she wondered if she could do it. Each challenge she undertook in faith. There was a process of starting out and progressing. As she progressed, she gained confidence. She learned in each situation that she was uniquely qualified to undertake and do well in each challenge. She gained confidence in a progressive manner.
In anything we undertake in the business world and in life, somewhere in the process we need to have confidence in ourselves. It is good if we are confident enough to undertake calculated risks. Without pursuing some things that involve calculated risks, we may limit what we can achieve. Starting something with little steps is important. A child takes their first step and very soon is taking many steps.
Another very important thing is to be responsible for your actions. There is a process of learning and growing that only comes from taking responsibility for your actions. In taking responsibility for your actions you can determine what went well, what did not go well and learn from it.
There are things that you can learn from all around you including our own experiences and others. A very important thing to learn is that confidence can be gained in a progressive manner. The main thing is to start.
Garry Haggart, CPC, is a management, marketing and performance development consultant and facilitator.
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