In a recent article on LinkedIn, author Jan Johnston Osburn advocates that when it comes to success ‘Does Confidence Trumps Talent‘ article, Pulse 11/17/2014. As I’ve written previously, for most of us what constitutes ‘success’ is largely subjective. That said, I believe that Osburn makes an important point.
And one of the most powerful sources of confidence comes from one’s identity—as I wrote about in The Power of Professionalism.
It’s exciting to see the transformative power that comes about when people internalize the notion that they’re professionals—or start down the road in becoming one. ‘Professional’ suddenly becomes an integral part of their identity. How have I seen this manifested on a practical level?
***languishing employees become stellar
***rudderless students find their purpose and thrive
***stubborn and incorrigible staffers become motivated (and act) to show their ‘best self’
Did these people suddenly become more talented? No. But they suddenly found themselves, becoming more focused, more productive, more energetic—thanks largely to their new-found confidence.
Identity matters.