How the heck do I improve my confidence?
Lack of confidence is one of the biggest pain points for consultants. But it's really hard to improve. Let's learn some practical tips how you can build your confidence.
Sarah, a member of my coaching program, recently shared her struggle.
Her manager told her to "improve her confidence."
Talk about vague feedback, right?
It's like telling someone to "be happy" - easier said than done.
But here's the thing:
Confidence isn't something you just decide to have.
It's more like a muscle you build over time.
It's an output, not an input.
You wouldn't expect to lift 200 kg on your first day at the gym, would you?
But what is confidence, really?
Consultants often look at partners and dream of gaining their level of confidence.
Partners can easily talk themselves out of any situation—an angry client, a presentation mistake, a difficult question, you name it.
But that takes years to build. You must endure hundreds of challenging situations to grow a thick skin and develop quick reactions.
This is not something you can do now.
As a consultant, your main source of confidence should be competence.
Something that you can control and create.
But how do you take the first step, practically speaking?
First, think about where you come across as unconfident.
Most likely, it happens in leadership or client meetings. Analyze why it happens.
Then, decide in which situations you want to appear confident.
Pick your battles. Focus your efforts. You can't do everything.
Here are a few practical things you can do.
1. Prepare, prepare, and prepare.
Do you have a big presentation coming up?
Practice until you can do it in your sleep.
Record yourself on video.
Yes, I know it's awkward and cringy, but do it anyway.
2. Predict the obvious questions
Ever been caught off-guard by a simple question from a partner? Ouch.
Next time, be ready.
Make a list of potential questions and prepare your answers. Think back of all the questions you’ve been asked before.
What did they have in common? Identify common themes and prepare for them. Soon, you start recognizing that these questions are pretty obvious and repetitive.
For example:
What does this specific number or term mean? What is the so-what? What are the implications? What are we saying to clients? What do we do next?
3. Communicate proactively
Another great way to project confidence is to communicate proactively what you have done and plan to do. You know the risks and have considered potential solutions.
It shows that you have your work under control.
You know what you are doing.
4. Steer your conversations
Learn to steer conversations with your partners and clients.
Take a driver's seat.
Set the context, focus on what matters, paraphrase key points, and wrap up with clear actions.
Partners appreciate consultants who actively drive meetings.
It sends strong, confident vibes.
Remember, confidence isn't about knowing everything.
It's about handling what comes your way with grace and skill.
Be a scientist in your growth and development.
Analyze the moments where you want to be confident.
Then, double down on them.
Sharp content and solid preparation are your best weapons.
Sarah is a member of the Hero’s Journey coaching program, so she can ask any burning questions. Last week, we discussed confidence, and this week, we discussed managing difficult client situations.
The consulting journey is complex and treacherous. Walking it alone is extremely difficult. It’s helpful to have the support of someone experience who has gone through this journey and helped many others.
If you are an MBB consultant and sick of struggling with performance and development, especially for you, I created…
FREE VIDEO TRAINING on accelerating your development, achieving high performance, and becoming a confident consultant. You can learn a reliable development system and quick wins to kick-start your momentum.
Book a Free 1-1 Consultation to discuss whether I can help you through my coaching program. There is no commitment, and you can ask any burning questions in a risk-free environment.
Read this post to learn more about the Hero’s Journey coaching program.