19 APRIL2022detached from an emotional reaction2. I've often found this next step pretty useful. Make a list of achievements ­ a resume highlight if you will that captures your achievements and accomplishments ­ read through it. Keep this list short and like a code of sorts ­ one that you can understand.3. Believe you're there for a reason. You're in the minority, maybe the only woman in that room. There is a reason you were included. Lean into what makes you different. If it is your fine arts background in a room of metrics and numbers, share your perspective and experience. That is precisely the reason you're on that seat.4. Prepare, over-prepare and then prepare some more. I've found the best antidote to anxiety and self doubt in preparation. Anticipate questions, practice responses, be a nerd.5. Practice for bigger stakes. Practice in smaller settings, smaller meetings, volunteer groups ­ get used to speaking-up, making a point, disagreeing and adding to the discussion. The time you spend in honing your skills ­ listening, working with people, adding perspectives to a discussion ­ they all add-up to building your skills bank.6. Volunteer your time and skills ­ giving your gifts and time helps in gaining a unique perspective and confidence. Known as the helper's high, it can help with feelings of gratitude and contentment, all of which feed into a stronger sense of self.7. Give-up pleasing ­ I struggle with this one too. We've often been brought-up to respect authority and please those around especially above us in hierarchies. When making a point in the meeting or in a conference call, how many of us think of the number of people who will judge what we've said and have them self-censored?The way out of this ­ consider how little time they've spent thinking of you. Your opinion of you matters a lot more than a stranger's opinion of you. In your scheme of things, you are the key stakeholder, the prime mover, the CEO of your personal brand. If you're ok with your point, make it.And lastly, when in doubt, recall this Michelle Obama quote - "I have been at probably every powerful table that you can think of, I have worked at non-profits, I have been at foundations, I have worked in corporations, served on corporate boards, I have been at G-summits, I have sat in at the UN: They are not that smart". TO BELIEVE YOURSELF CAPABLE OF ERROR IS PROBABLY A REDEEMING FEATURE IN ANY LEADER OR MANAGER OF PEOPLE
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