Is lack of social confidence a problem at work?
Do you feel uncomfortable being called on to voice your opinion in a meeting? Does your job require you to be part of a work team but you feel nervous meeting new people and don't know how to engage in small talk? You work hard, and are an excellent employee but it often seems that no one knows what you do or who you are.
What would your work life be like if you could easily make a presentation, attend a meeting, speak your opinion in front of a group, make phone calls, go out with coworkers, meet new people, attend networking sessions, go to conferences....... and feel completely relaxed and comfortable?
We all know that today's workplace relies on effective communication, team work, strong social skills, leadership capability, and ability to network with others.
Even if you are absolutely excellent at your job, you still need a way to let others know about it.
It helps to be able to speak up in meetings, to make suggestions to coworkers, and to be comfortable enough to propose ideas to all levels of management. If you find it hard to speak up or contribute in a meeting, few people will be aware of what you can do.
And sadly and really unfairly, the spotlight can be stolen from you by those who can be spontaneous and talk. (I know - it's unfair!)
Having social confidence can help you at work, regardless of what your job is.
You are intelligent, have a great deal to contribute, have outstanding problem solving skills, and are eager to learn and to help out.......yet are able to share so little of this due to lack of social confidence or social anxiety?
Do any of these situations sound familiar?
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You are in a meeting and have a well thought opinion on the topic being discussed, but when you start to talk you become uncomfortable with everyone looking at you, get very self conscious, blush, and scramble your words. The point you were making becomes lost. The group pauses in silence....and then moves on.
It's performance appraisal time. You meet with your boss and stumble through your accomplishments for the year. The feedback you receive is "Great stuff! You really need to speak out more at meetings, you are always so quiet. We could have used this information last fall."
You are placed on a work team where you will need to work in a group setting for most of the day for an entire month. You immediately begin to dread having to introduce yourself to the other members.
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Everyone else goes out for lunch together. You'd like to go and have been invited a few times, but felt so awkward eating in front of others and not knowing what to say. You usually just work through lunch.
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You get tired of people saying you are always so quiet. It's true but somehow just makes everything seem worse.
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You watch others who know far less than you sell their ideas to the boss, interact in an easy free manner, and seem to glide through meetings impressing those around them, due to their high level of social confidence and charisma.
You attend large meetings, networking sessions and conferences but spend a lot of time doing "safe" things such as standing silently at the edge of a group engaged in a conversation, filling your plate at the buffet table, checking your voice-mail, texting, going over notes, going to the washroom, or walking alone outside.
You feel comfortable when you are in your "expert role" but have no idea how to interact with others socially over lunch or dinner. What do I talk about? How can I keep the conversation going? What if I'm boring?
What would happen to your career and your personal life if you could be the extremely intelligent, thoughtful, kind, generous person you already are..........
........and also be socially confident?
If social anxiety is harming your career, it may also be negatively impacting your personal life too and reducing the quality of your social connections. There is something you can do about it. Decide to make a change.
Here's What You Can Do
Take a moment and describe where you want to be in your career in 5 years.
Then look much closer into the future and describe where you want to be 1 year from now. Be as descriptive as you can.
Imagine it as though you are watching a movie of yourself. See, feel and hear what your typical day will be like in your future career.
Now make a list of any challenges that are standing in your way. Ask yourself:
- Do you have the technical knowledge you need?
- Do you know how to ensure that the right people are aware of your work and your contributions?
- Are you able to share your ideas in a way that persuades and inspires others?
- Is your manager aware of your career aspirations and the quality of the work you are currently doing?
- Are you doing work that is in line with where you want to go in your career?
- Are you easily able to share your ideas and your accomplishments in meetings and presentations?
- Can you make the social connections you will need to support your goals?
Make a detailed plan to eliminate these barriers and a timetable with milestones to help you accomplish what you decide to do. As we all know, a plan without a timeline is often just a hope or a dream.
Many people find that their level of social confidence or social skills are not allowing them to progress as fast as they would like.
There is an effective program for increasing your social confidence at work.
It's a step by step, structured process where you gain the social confidence you need at work, with family and friends, and out in your social life. You learn in a private, confidential setting and your progress will be supported with personal support and helpful individual feedback (when you want it).
This is not just information, it is skill building.
You can learn how to master small talk, speak up in meetings, make new acquaintances, and feel comfortable meeting new people. And you don't need to change who you are. You get more proud of and comfortable expressing who you are!
How? You have several options.
You have the choice of delivery methods. One may be just right for you. This program is delivered through private coaching or skype coaching, workshops, online training programs and at week long vacation retreats.
But before you decide if this is for you....
Take a look through this web site, get familiar with the philosophy and the support that's offered. Find out about me, my background, my commitment to you, and my experience.
See if you relate to what's here.
Then if you like what you see, contact me here Jenna@SocialConfidenceTraining.com for more information. It's easy and quick to do. I'll get back to you personally within 48 hours.