Stop self-deprecating talk
Consultants experience imposter syndrome. They downplay their abilities because they don't want to let people down. This is a good social tactic, but it can be quite damaging in consulting.
Imagine you're in a team meeting, and your manager asks you to do something.
You respond, "Well, I will try my best, but I'm not great at this."
Sounds familiar?
As a consultant, I used to downplay my abilities.
"I am not great at making slides."
"My communication skills need work."
"I don't have enough experience in this topic."
I was insecure, and I didn't want to overpromise and underdeliver.
But here's the thing:
Humility is a great virtue. But it will hold you back in consulting.
If you speak negatively about yourself, people will believe you.
They don't know you. They will take your words at face value. And that's what they remember.
Words matter!
Eventually, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. You become what you say about yourself, destroying the last pieces of your already damaged confidence.
Then you wonder why you struggle.
When I realized that simple truth,
I stopped self-deprecating talk.
Of course, I was not perfect. And I didn't have anything to brag about.
At least I didn't want to put bad ideas in my leaders' heads.
But be warned, self-deprecating talk is hard to get rid of.
We are conditioned to do that from our childhood.
So, what can you do to improve that?
Catch yourself in the act. Notice when you're about to say something negative about yourself. Think about what makes you say that. Create awareness.
Refrain from negative language. Instead of saying, "I'm bad at this," don't say anything. You'll notice nothing bad will happen. Nobody will notice.
Focus on others. Instead of living through your fears, understand what others say and feel. You start noticing that others also struggle and face challenges.
Celebrate small wins. Recognize your progress, take a minute to celebrate, and reward yourself. Create your own positive narrative, both internal and external. Cultivate your internal supporter to counterbalance your inner critic.
Remember, words have immense power.
They shape perceptions - both others' and your own.
It's not about false bravado, being sleazy or braggy.
It's about giving yourself a fair chance in this unfair game.
So, next time you're tempted to downplay your abilities, pause and breathe.
Choose your words carefully.
The consulting journey is complex and treacherous.
Walking it alone is extremely difficult.
It’s helpful to have the support of someone experienced who has gone through this journey and helped many others.
Imagine having a navigator to get you from point A to point B.
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