July ’25 – Cultivating Confidence
Week 1 – Curiosity Brainstorm
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Week 1 – Curiosity Brainstorm
It was a great kick off with most of us surprised by the breadth and depth of things Confidence can impact.
A handful of highlights…
- Confidence often looks different on the outside than it feels on the inside.
Sarah reflected on how others perceive her as confident, even when she doesn’t always feel that way. Caroline added that appearing calm doesn’t always mean feeling calm—pausing and asking questions helps her project confidence, even when a little crazy on the inside!
- “Fake it till you make it” can be a helpful but complex mindset.
Sarah Ross asked us to consider the classic phrase, acknowledging it can sometimes feel like it diminishes real ability, but she also finds it empowering. Caroline reframed it as practicing until it feels natural, emphasizing that repetition and patience can build true confidence over time.
- Admitting you don’t know something can be a powerful act of confidence.
Wayne noted that staff sometimes avoid asking for help out of fear, which often leads to mistakes. He shared that creating space to admit uncertainty is vital to learning and growth—and takes more strength than pretending to know it all.
- Challenging negative self-talk is key to building confidence.
Hilda emphasized how pervasive internal doubt can be, likening it to rushing water that pulls us under. Sarah and Caroline suggested practical strategies like affirmations and reframing, while Wayne encouraged treating yourself like you would a friend in need.
- Even leaders and icons wrestle with self-doubt and uncertainty.
Sarah Ross drew on a book about President Johnson and MLK to remind the group that even towering historical figures navigated indecision and insecurity. Chris echoed that no organization is as smooth as it looks from the outside—everyone is always just figuring it out.
- Confidence is personal and culturally shaped—it doesn’t have a single “look.”
The group explored how body language, tone, and eye contact shape perceptions of confidence. Sarah and Chris discussed how cultural norms and virtual settings complicate these cues, and Chris reminded the group that confidence comes in many forms, depending on personality and context.
Feel free to scan the replay below!
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This discussion was modified 11 months ago by
Chris.
- Confidence often looks different on the outside than it feels on the inside.
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