Become Competent to Boost Esteem
Nothing contributes to a positive self-image quite like competence. One who seems uncertain of information, skills, or self quickly experiences an erosion of self-image. To become more competent, do your homework. Learn more about your job and your organization. When you know what you are talking about, it is easier to be self confident and courageous. Your positive self-image is a natural consequence of your competence.
The image you portray to others is often initially determined by appearance. In fact, so many people function primarily in the visual zone that how you look can be the deciding factor in whether or not you, your position, and your authority are accepted or rejected. How you look and what you wear often have more impact initially than what you say no matter how logical, well organized, or reliable your ideas are.
Generally speaking, the best attire to portray a positive self-image reflects authority and is a slight cut above that worn by other team members. Women face a unique challenge in wearing just the right clothes for projecting a positive image. If their clothing makes them come across as strong and abrasive, they are perceived negatively. In contrast, if their clothes make them appear too gentle or soft, the image portrayed is one of weakness. Men and women alike should select clothing that projects a crisp professional and attractive image and one that is appropriate for the occasion. Besides affecting the attitudes of others, the right clothing also affects the wearer. Feeling dressed just right for the occasion boosts your positive self image, your confidence, and your courage.
Integrity is one of the most important traits you can cultivate to reinforce your positive self-image. Work hard to earn a trustworthy reputation for honesty, reliability, and high moral character. In this way, you bring closer to reality your image of what you want to become. Others see in you what you see in yourself. When these images match, you have achieved full integrity.
Your self-image is the key to your future. Develop it and use it to help you capture your dreams and to achieve your goals. An ancient Scripture says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Crystallize your vision of what you want to be. Work hard to fulfill the positive self-image that you were created to enjoy. Make use of your unique strengths instead of merely conforming to circumstances. You may have some unique strengths that for some obscure purpose you have kept hidden, even from your own view. Encourage yourself to bring them out and act upon them. A previously unrecognized strength put to work is imagination. It is resourcefulness. It is energy. It is insight. What is more important, it is distinctly your unique gift to others and to your organization.
When you set and achieve goals to improve your self image, to commit yourself to their attainment, and to take action to bring those goals into reality, you begin to develop a more positive self-image than you ever dreamed possible. A positive self-image, in turn, reinforces your courage and confidence. You are then capable of undertaking even more lofty and challenging goals.
Developing a positive self-image is based on the principle that each of us is the product of what we think and what we believe about our abilities. The only practical world is the one within ourselves—the world in which we develop courage and self-confidence and a more positive self-image. It is here that we motivate ourselves to transform goals into tangible realities.
The magnetic force of a positive self-image is a leadership tool, drawing for its power on your courage to become all that you can be and also bringing out the best in your team members. Your unique quality of self-confidence will generate many benefits, including the following:
- A contagious enthusiasm for life
- Genuine concern for others
- A positive personality that people enjoy being around
- Enhanced people skills
- Clarity of purpose
- Firm commitment to worthwhile goals
- Increased productivity
- An aura of power and authority which enables you to inspire and lead others
Developing your self-image can be the most rewarding adventure of your life. As you begin to develop goals for your organization, remember to set the worthwhile goal of building your self-image. A positive self-image is the first step toward the achievement of goals that will benefit yourself, your team members, and your organization as well.
LMI JOURNAL, VOLUME V, NUMBER 9 Leadership Management® InstituteReprinted with permission === Strategic Essentials is a Managing Partner for Leadership Management® International, Inc.
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