Face it, sometimes you fall off the self-confidence train. Sometimes the train leaves while you’re inside the station getting the paper, whatever. No matter what the scenario or how much we think of ourselves we all lose our “mojo” every now and then. We start to think we’re not as good at our job as others. That somehow, we’ve gotten off track. That people around us are smarter or better prepared than we are. It happens to everyone, and that’s when a mentor really comes in handy.
I recently had lunch with mine. I know I’m good at my job. I have a solid marketing plan in place and I’m carrying it out and it’s proving successful. But something was off. I didn’t feel quite right, so I made the call and we met for lunch in Tyson’s.
After the usual catching up and small talk, we ordered and began to talk about work. I ran ideas past her. I asked her questions about how she handled situations and told her how I’d handled similar ones. It was good to hear this person, someone who I respect enormously, telling me that she was doing and saying and handling situations exactly as I would. Naturally she shared a few nuggets that I will utilize very soon.
Lunch, was a huge confidence booster.
I’ve been a strong believer in mentors (and mentoring) for years. I’ve found that if you put yourself out there…ask for help or offer it…that request will be met with surprising enthusiasm. People WANT to help each other but most are thinking the same thing: If I ask for help I will appear weak or unprepared or unqualified. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Try it. Take a chance and put yourself out there. Offer advice to a younger colleague. Tell someone whom you respect that you do and ask them if they’d be willing to give you advice from time to time. It doesn’t have to be anything formal, a lunch or quick phone conversation will do. I can all but guarantee the results will be positive.
As always I’d love some feedback and discussion on this subject. Please feel free to post a response here or email me at edgotta@productionadvantage.com.
