How To Banish Your Dementors
On Thursday it's International Women’s Day and I wanted to do a shout out to all the amazing female leaders who are making a difference with the work that they do. The sad thing? I know a lot of you don't realise how amazing you actually are.
Research* reveals at the start of their careers, both genders are equally confident about reaching top management positions, however from 2 years on, as they gain experience, women's confidence falls by half while men’s stays about the same.
I've seen this. Young women in their twenties ready to take on the world, feeling confident and self-assured. However, as these same women progress up the ladder, something happens. Their confidence gets knocked and they feel like giving up. They plateau or step back.
This loss of confidence reminds me of the ghost like creatures in the Harry Potter movies, Dementors. These dementors are relentless and swoop down to suck the thoughts and happiness out of human minds until there is nothing left.
As women we have our own dementors sucking our confidence, aspirations and enthusiasm. These dementors can take many different shapes. They can be the expectations of others, the comparisons you make, a leader who doesn’t see your value and puts you down or even your own negative self-talk.
It’s time to change this and develop an upward trend of self-belief, confidence and ambition!
So, How?
Heighten your self-awareness. Notice when you start to feel your confidence slipping away and the self doubt creeping in. Ask yourself why. What is causing these feelings?
Once you know why, pick up your wand and banish the dementor from your life. "Expecto Patronum". Develop a strategy to change the situation, your behaviour or your mindset - whatever is needed.
Refocus on you - your personal values, beliefs, legacy and talents that make you extraordinary. It's time to shut out the noise and reconnect with yourself.
Surround yourself with a strong posse. You see if we stand together, it’s harder for those dementers to find their way in!
Midja x
*Bain & Company Inc. (2014) 'Everyday Moments of Truth. Frontline Managers are key to women's career aspirations.'