What confident leaders say

Carlo had spent all afternoon interviewing for a new job. He began filling out all the papers. The HR manager then questioned him at length about his training and past work experience. After the interview, Carlo was given a tour of the plant and was introduced to people he would be working with.

Finally, he was taken to the general manager’s office. The manager rose from his chair, shook his hand, and asked him to sit down. “You seem to be very qualified,” he said, “and we would like you to come work for us. We will offer you a good insurance plan and other benefits. We will pay you P 25,000 a month starting today, and then in three months, we will raise it to P 35,000 a month. When would you like to start?”

Carlo confidently replied: “In three months, sir.”

Now I am not sure whether this kind of confidence Carlo exhibited would help him land the job or not. Still, seriously, confidence has been highly correlated with success, as many HR people have observed.

However, it is important to note that the quality of confidence we refer to is not arrogance or cockiness. These are destructive attitude traits that guarantee career and business downfall. Confidence is the quiet belief in getting things done or achieving goals without the hubris brought about by arrogance.

If you an entrepreneur, confidence helps you take risks and pursue opportunities. People who are without confidence would let insecurity prevail for fear of failure. Confident career people are perceived as more attractive and appealing. Thus, they cultivate a bigger circle of high-quality relationships.

Christina DesMarais writes an article for Inc. magazine that says there are seven things confident people say. I will quote her piece almost verbatim and then add a little commentary of my own. Take a look at the list and figure out if you find yourself saying the same things too:

1. “I wouldn’t worry about it.”

Go to a confident friend with a list of “what-ifs” or reasons why something may turn out badly, and you’ll likely hear this kind of reassurance. It’s because confident people generally don’t worry. They understand that even if something goes wrong, they can handle it. It’s the persistent feeling that regardless of what happens – good or bad – they will cope.

2. “Go for it.”

Along with a lack of anxiety comes a sense of optimism. Truly confident people expect good things to happen. At the same time, their track record of making good decisions means they also possess the ability to temper their positivity with realistic thinking.

3. “Doing it this way works for me.”

Confident individuals don’t feel compelled to conform to gain acceptance from others. This is the central beauty of confidence – the calm self-assurance that makes others want to follow.

4. “Why not me?”

Instead of waiting around for the next opportunity, confident people seek it out. Maybe it’s building the right relationships, asking for a promotion or otherwise taking a leap of faith. These people have a vision for the future and chart their path to get there.

5. “I need to say something.”

Confident people take a stand regarding matters of right and wrong, yet possess the wisdom to understand which battles are worth fighting. That said, they will back down graciously if proved wrong because they’re secure enough to consider viewpoints other than their own.

6. “Tell me more.”

Confident people listen far more than they talk, are naturally curious, and express a genuine interest in others. Conversely, those who monopolize conversations or brag (ever) have something to prove and are masking insecurity.

7. “Can you help me?”

Everyone has weaknesses, but the self-assured is not afraid to admit them. Instead of worrying about what others will think if they ask for help, confident people are more concerned with self-improvement, gaining valuable skills, and performing a job well.

I love this piece from Christina DesMarais. I particularly love the last point. I have met people who would act and behave arrogantly, thinking they are projecting confidence, but using it as a disguise for deep insecurities. I have met leaders whose presence in the room radiates power and influence, yet they try their best to exude humility.

Even famous author and speaker Jim Collins say that Level 5 leaders in their research show that their most important trait is humility. Confidence comes from competence and the sense of knowing that they are on a mission to serve a cause bigger than themselves. This is the true essence of effective leadership, no egos, but confidently serving.

(Francis Kong’s highly acclaimed Level Up Leadership Master Class online will have another run from May 17 to 19. Develop leadership skills that translate into personal, career, and business growth in the current reality and the post-COVID world. For inquiries and reservations, contact April at +63928-559-1798 or and for more information, visit www.levelupleadership.ph)

https://www.inc.com/christina-desmarais/7-things-confident-people-always-say.html