Because high self-esteem and high levels of confidence are traits common to the top 5% of management, I have always attributed a portion of management success to good parenting. The foundation for our self-perception is developed when we are very young, often before we reach the age of 3 or 4 and guided and nurtured by our parents as we navigate through the potentially harmful minefields of life (especially junior high and high school!)
While one cannot go to a class or a seminar to acquire or repair self esteem and confidence, there are some basics that when acquired reflect self confidence. When I evaluate a person's level of self confidence, I ask, "Does this person walk with purpose? Do they look me in the eye when we talk? Is their handshake firm? Can this person get to the point in few well phrased sentences?"
Those of us who were fortunate enough to have parents who loved and nurtured us, taught us, gave us positive feedback and encouragement, survived with appropriate levels of self-esteem and self-confidence. It is a good idea for the rest to practice!
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