Background information on the subject of "self-confidence"

Being confident - advantages and disadvantages

A confident appearance is a great advantage in most situations. Especially in sales and leadership situations, self-confidence is indispensable. The message that a confident demeanor signals is often perceived more clearly and convincingly than the actual content. Persuasiveness can be improved in this way through self-confidence.

Although self-confidence is an inner attitude that not everyone has, self-confident appearance can be learned by everyone. The most important factors are a straight posture, a relaxed gait, eye contact and a calm manner of speaking. If one's own demeanor radiates composure and self-confidence, this automatically leads to inner security, because just as one's own feelings influence one's behavior, one's behavior can also influence one's feelings. Instead of self-assurance, the term self-confidence is often used. This implies knowledge and acceptance of one's own person, including strengths and weaknesses. Above all, one's own weaknesses should never simply be ignored.
An undifferentiated self-image does not lead to self-confidence, but causes arrogance and haughtiness - characteristics that have a destructive effect on both the professional and personal aspects of life. However, in addition to self-confidence, empathy and sensitivity are also responsible for a successful appearance.

In order to evoke in the interlocutor a positive attitude towards oneself, one must be able to respond to it. Understanding how the other person feels and thinks is a key competence for anyone working in an industry that offers many interpersonal contacts. Successful personality management is a prerequisite for successful management.

The Management Institute Dr. A. Kitzmann offers seminars on the topic of "Self-confidence and personality management" in Münster, Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich, Vienna and Zurich.

The different facets of a human being

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - these gentlemen were about a split in personality. One gentleman was good, the second evil, and yet both were one and the same person. While this was a morbid personality invented in literature, in real life there are actually personality traits that make up a person. And these are not pathological at all, but absolutely "normal".

Every person lives different roles, self-confident appearance is only possible if the parts of the personality are managed. The prerequisite is: They are known.

• Expert
• Team colleague
• Manager
• Partner
• Mother / Father
• Daughter / Son
• Friend / Girlfriend
• Club member
• Pet owner
• Staircase cleaner
• and many more.

The division into roles is a way to capture one's own personality. In each role there are certain tasks, there are habits and behaviors that are learned. The respective competences in the roles are different - in professional life energy and decisiveness are required and at home the question about the desired salad dressing is already one too many. In order to be at peace with oneself and the environment or to avoid conflicts, a conscious management is necessary. This depends on the environment, the tasks at hand and the awareness of one's own abilities. A transparent and flexible handling of one's own competencies and personality parts promotes self-confidence.
TIP: Take the time to think about yourself and your roles. Give each role you have to take in life a profile. Perhaps you have a name for that portion of your role as well? The more aware you become, the easier it will be to adapt to situations and stimulate necessary skills.

Reflecting on personality traits makes it possible to recognize your own weak points, which repeatedly become stumbling blocks in everyday work. For example, one person finds it difficult to say "no", another lacks the patience to listen. Both behaviors result in conflicts that are unnecessary. To change this behavior, a look into the personality helps.

• Which part is responsible?
• Which part would have this desired ability?
• How or who would I like to be?

Often a change of roles is enough to change situations. The beginner may be afraid to refuse tasks, but as an experienced handball player she is sure to turn every penalty kick into a goal. If the handball player's inner strength and calmness can be reassured, a request for work can also be answered with a clear "no." The young professional may hide behind the handball player and trust that her strength is sufficient for such a word. What works here is the magic of imagination.

Being sure of oneself also means trusting in oneself. This is a process that develops and in the course of which sovereignty and composure become companions. These values, in turn, create a positive impression to the outside world. A person who does not allow himself to be ruffled is seen in teams as reliable, trustworthy and successful. He or she reacts appropriately in important moments, neither stress nor anger arise. He or she is seen as a steady personality with a confident demeanor when managing the situation. Challenges are accepted, a course of action is planned, tasks are distributed. Someone with a secure personality structure also knows his or her limits and is able to defend them. This is also an expression of personality - this person knows what he wants and what he can do. She cannot be bought at a price that is not worthy of her. And certainly not deceived or influenced with fine words. Maintaining a standing in such situations is also called character.

The Management-Institut Dr. A. Kitzmann offers seminars on the subject of "Self-confidence and personality management" in Münster, Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich, Vienna and Zurich.

Author: Management-Institut Dr. A. Kitzmann