Mind Games – Subtle Ways To Build Confidence And Get What You Want At Work

By Brian Maynor

 

There is something to be said for walking fearlessly into a room or situation and feeling nothing but courageous. That attitude often results in killer presentations, dynamic results and can propel you ahead in the office race, but for some people it’s a lot easier to achieve than for others.

If you find your confidence is waning in spite of your focus on working hard and delivering results there are a few subtle and psychological tricks you can play on yourself and others that will boost your confidence and have you influencing colleagues to gain that edge you’re after. Here’s how to do it:

1.    Modulate your speech patterns. When you think of a dynamic speaker what examples come to mind: an animated, lively speaker with varying pitch, fluid rhythm and dramatic pauses? That may be great for drawing you into a story, but it has little to no effect on generating results.

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered the trick to being a persuasive speaker is speaking in faster phrases with pauses between to allow what you’ve said to sink in. This tactic mimics our natural speaking pattern, which incorporates four to five pauses per minute when talking.

2.    Take a stand on teamwork. Quite literally, if you want to improve your group’s teamwork make them stand up. A study out of Washington University at St. Louis proves that standing creates energy and moving around the room opens people up to collaborate and think outside the box.

3.    Subtly assert yourself. If you’re looking to establish authority, sometimes it just takes a little thing, like helping yourself to a cup of coffee without being prompted, to establish the impression of power. Researchers at the University of Amsterdam found that people associate authority with actions that are outside the norm because it implies you answer only to yourself, and are not simply a follower. Keep in mind however; the key here is subtle assertion. You don’t want to look like a jerk or worse piss off your boss.

4.    Foster creativity with sarcasm. Harvard Business School released a study that found people were more creative after sarcastic conversations than sincere or neutral ones. The sarcasm wasn’t insulting or directed at the audience, but more a light jab toward the speaker themselves and seemed to trigger creativity because it takes some thought and engagement to work through a sarcastic statement.

5.    Suit up. While we can’t literally wear a suit of armor to the office, we can achieve the same protection by wearing a traditional suit. A joint study by California State University Northridge and Columbia University found that dressing more formally not only makes us look better and feel more in control; it actually helps us handle criticism better. In that regard, suiting is like armor. So the next time you’re feeling insecure or about to receive criticism from your boss break out your best interview suit.

Contrary to popular belief, confidence isn’t a divine right or inheritance you’re born with. It is something that develops over time with practice. Just like fostering change or building new habits it’s more effective to start small, and these tips are the perfect starting points.

 

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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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