Johnny C. Taylor Jr. answers workplace questions every week on USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of SHRM, the world’s largest human resources professional organization, and author of Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.
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question: I’ve been promoted to a senior management role, which is my dream role, but I can’t shake the feeling that I might not be good enough. A part of me is waiting for an employer to tell me why they believe I’m ready. Is it normal to seek such validation? How can I be more confident in myself? – Naomi
Answer: Being selected for a senior position is one of the greatest compliments an employer can give you. Still, it’s quite normal to have these initial thoughts. myself? ” Stepping into greater leadership isn’t scary because you’re not qualified, it’s scary because it’s important.
Now, to the crux of your question, is it the employer’s job to reassure you that you’re ready?I say this as gently as I can. No, it’s not their job to give you a pep talk. In fact, they already provided all the necessary validation when they offered you this role.
But there’s a part here that people don’t talk about enough. That’s because men and women often approach opportunities very differently. Men are more likely to take on a new job because they already own the store. They assume they can learn what they don’t know. Women, even highly capable women, tend to think, “Let’s check all the boxes first.” It’s not a question of ability. It’s about confidence.
I once recommended a woman on my team to a key leadership role. wonderful. Talented. I’m fully prepared. But a few days later she was still waiting for me to “confirm” that I made the right choice. I finally told her, “Trust me, I’m not going to give you a senior position like a party favor.” We both laughed, but the point was spot on. This proposal is a vote of confidence. And the truth is, opportunities don’t stand still. While you are lost, someone may step forward.
Now, I know that confidence doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and it doesn’t magically appear just because you’re given a better title. But you can build it. Here are some tips that have helped me over the years.
◾Find a mentor or coach. You need a trusted voice, someone you can bounce ideas off of, test decision pressures, and ask for honest feedback.
◾Track your wins. I write down my successes, compliments, results, etc. in a notebook. If in doubt, go back to your receipt. Doubt hates evidence.
◾Grow according to your role. Very few people feel 100% ready from day one. Confidence is often gained rear You get into the role, not before.
◾Practice humility. The corner office comes with a lot of pressure to perform and prove what you need, but that doesn’t mean you have to pretend you know everything from day one. Stay humble. Great leaders learn from more experienced leaders and have the confidence to perform.
After all, employers believe that you are already ready. They have seen your judgment, your performance, and your potential. They chose you on purpose.
So the real question is not whether you are good enough. It’s about whether you have the will to seize the opportunity.
And what if the role scares you a little but excites you a lot? That’s usually your cue. Take on the task and rise up to accomplish it.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
