Workplace Confidence Killers (and How to Beat Them)

Do you find that some people seem to have it all together? You know the type: The peppy employee who is always ready to share their ideas or take on new assignments. Their can-do attitude that manages to convince others around them, including themselves.

There's one feeling they too share, that many struggle to find…confidence.

1. Perfectionism

High-performing employees often pressure themselves to attain ridiculous, unrealistic standards, and sometimes become discouraged when they fail to achieve them. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Each time you fall short on a project, ask yourself if you gave it your all. If you did, know that you are human and cannot do everything perfectly – and accept that.

"We have to stop the negative chatter and tell ourselves our best is good enough," Lerner said. "Make it an inner mantra."

2. Micromanager bosses

Being micromanaged can make a person feel like they aren't good enough. Why else would the boss be nitpicking and telling you exactly how to complete a task?

In most cases, you probably aren't doing anything wrong, but it’s the fear that is usually underneath controlling behaviour. Their micromanaging probably has more to do with how that person feels about themself, not you.

If you're truly confident, no one can tear you down. A micromanager might strike some insecurities in you, but remind yourself how far you've come and where you want to go.

3. Disengagement at work

One of the most common reasons for feeling disconnected from your job, and therefore lacking confidence in it, is doing work that doesn't leverage your skills. Everyone has talents and abilities, and if you're not using them at your job, you may want to consider other opportunities.

Another option is to maintain an optimistic and encouraging attitude toward your performance at work. If you're feeling indifferent, try a different perspective or approach. Maybe you fell into a rut or a routine that drains you. Switch it up; take a different approach that hones your passions. What can you do differently that might make your job more enjoyable? Don't be afraid to discuss this with your employer.

4. Fear of failure

Everyone experiences fear – some more than others. It's crucial, though, to face fear head-on.

"Fear can be so crippling that it holds people back in ways they don't even realize, whether it be fear of speaking up in meetings, so the employee is seen as someone who doesn't contribute much value, or fear of being yourself, instead trying to emulate a boss and never learning to really own what is unique and special about you," said Heather Monahan, founder of career mentoring group #BossinHeels and author of Confidence Creator (Boss in Heels, 2018).

Of course, you want to "get it right" in your career, but your fear of "failing" shouldn't stand in your way of trying something new. A project may not turn out as planned, and you may make mistakes. As long as you learn from those experiences, you haven't truly failed.

5. Uncooperative or critical colleagues

Working with rude, arrogant, or otherwise unpleasant colleagues can lower your job satisfaction, especially if their negativity is directed at you. As with micromanagers, we urge professionals not to take the behaviour too personally, but try to make an effort to work things out with your colleague.