Self-confidence is “a feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgement” and so it follows that we shouldn’t underestimate its critical importance to how well we do at work and how much we enjoy it.

For instance, research shows that for job applicants, higher self-confidence leads to more job offers. Interviewees with higher confidence make more eye contact during interviews, which increases the likelihood of an offer being made. Also, once employed, confident employees share their views more openly, giving them higher visibility as problem solvers to bosses, which makes them seem more valuable.

Leaders are distinguished by their greater self-confidence to interact in social settings, which helps them to more effectively manage and guide. People with higher self-confidence in negotiations are more likely to initiate pay negotiations.

One US study, which tracked teenagers into adulthood, suggested that self-esteem affected salary as much as cognitive abilities. Self-confident people are also more likely to show ‘career adaptability’ – the flexibility to change careers and work at what they most enjoy.

However, while we might learn new skills, self-confidence itself is something we rarely work on. Yet, in a study of over 2,000 Britons in 2021, 6 in 10 men and 7 in 10 women aren’t confident about doing their job.

How to cultivate self-confidence
The good news is that we can re-program our thoughts at any point in life, to train ourselves to feel and behave more confidently at work. However, like any new skill, it takes practice.

Based on evidence of what effectively increases confidence, here are five suggestions for improving your confidence in the workplace:
1. Focus on strengths, not weaknesses
Seeking projects or tasks that use your main strengths means you will be doing your best work, gaining positive feedback and increasing self-esteem.

2. Change your self-talk
Becoming aware of your ‘inner voice’ is the precursor to choosing a more positive, constructive, compassionate response instead of self-criticism.

3. Do one challenging thing every day
Self-confidence builds when we prove to ourselves that we can overcome assumed limitations.

4. Visualise success
Visualising an imminent challenge is a rehearsal. It primes the brain to act more easily and effectively in the situation.

5. Identify and eliminate negative influences
Gravitate towards positive colleagues and try to spend less time with those who may have a negative disposition.

Self-doubt won’t disappear overnight, but greater self-confidence underpins a better work life in many ways. Why not try these steps for a week or two and see what happens?