Lead with Confidence in Highly Innovation-Driven Environments

Micha Goebig

Recent studies show that close to 80 percent of women and over 60 percent of men struggle with a lack of confidence at work. In other words, a large number of professionals and founders may be held back in their advancement by self-doubts. In our day and age, where confidence and visibility often seem about as vital as expertise and experience to take our careers or companies to the next level, it can be the difference between giving up and reaching the dream.

The universal reason behind this issue: it’s hard – though not impossible! – to feel confident about something we haven’t done yet. This is simply the way our brains are wired, so naturally most of us are more comfortable if we have the time to do something over and over again and gradually build confidence in our skills and ability. These days, though, especially in tech and generally in highly innovation-driven environments, the pace of innovation and change is so fast that this approach is no longer much of an option.

As an innovator, confidence may well be the currency to success. In general, people are more likely to trust those who appear confident – and this is especially relevant when you are about to break new ground, with no substantiating data available yet. Fortunately, it’s possible to build confidence even when facing a new challenge and exude an air of confidence when it matters.