Self-esteem is relatively scarce in the world and in your workplace. If you don’t believe that, it’s probably because:
- You have a healthy self-esteem and so you assume others do, or it never crosses your mind.
- You don’t have it, and are in denial, (or think you are the only one with weak or low self-esteem).
- Your people seem to have good self-esteem
- Self-esteem can’t be seen directly, only indirectly in people’s behavior and habits.
- Sometimes self-esteem levels are misrepresented or hidden (Have you ever seen someone who feigns great confidence, almost as if to prove it to themselves?)
Low self-esteem among employees is a big problem for you. The better your employees feel about themselves, the work they do, their abilities, and their job security, the more productive, happy and effective they are. As a leader, you can foster, encourage and grow the self-esteem of others, and when you do that you will become a far more successful (and satisfied) leader.
So how can you help foster and grow the self-esteem of those around you? Here are some specific and immediately actionable building blocks you can start with.
- See it yourself. When people’s self-esteem isn’t at healthy levels, it is in part because they don’t see themselves as capable or able to achieve at higher levels. Before you can help them see something new in themselves, you must see it in them.
- Help them see it. Let people know you believe in them. Show them examples of success that they don’t see, are downplaying or are denying. Help them see what you see, and they will start to believe it too.
- Encourage them. Remind them frequently of what you see. Encourage and generally speak positively with them about their potential.
- Challenge them. When you see potential in others, challenge them to rise to the next level. Your challenge may spur them to try, and when they have some success, their self-esteem will begin to rise based on that successful experience.
- Listen to them. You can’t build self-esteem simply by doing all the talking. Listen to where people are. Try to see what they see, so you can better help them shape and form a new picture of themselves and their potential.
- Support and affirm them. Every day. When in their presence and when talking to others about them, through the opportunities you provide them, and in the feedback and coaching you provide them. Self-esteem grows in the light and warmth of support and affirmation.
Television personality and author Iyanla Vanzant wrote “We cannot outperform our level of self-esteem.” Ms. Vanzant is right. As a leader, it is your role and opportunity to help people perform at higher and more valuable levels. As you help people lift their self-esteem, you lift their results and the results of your team and organization.
Your people are valuable assets, and they become more valuable to your organization (and themselves) as they build a healthy self-image. You can grow their value by helping them grow that precious and scarce resource of self-esteem. Do that, and you will be a highly effective, valued leader.
Are you lacking in self-esteem, especially when it comes to how well you are leading? Learn how to handle any obstacle you’ll face and boost your confidence as a leader with Bud to Boss on-demand training.
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