I was not born a leader.
In fact, I was born a shadow. A shy, non-talkative, quiet child who just wanted to play a little soccer and get her school work done on time.
It’s amazing how that has changed.
Leadership is a skill that so many different people and so many diverse fields recognize as a way to get ahead. Even if it’s taking the reigns on organizing an event or just getting a hold of your life and guiding yourself to greatness, this trait is what so many people want to see as you enter the workforce. Leaders make people more money, use their time efficiently, and present new ideas. They bring the most unlikely of people together and produce incredible results.
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I transformed as a sophomore in college, looking for a reason to change like I never have before. I almost bombed my speech class for fear of being in front of more than 5 people and yet I had stepped up to be a group leader in one of my other classes and had begun applying for internships. As scary as every one of these situations made me, there was never really an option to stand down or run away. It officially put me as far out of my comfort zone as I ever could have been, so I put on a smile and faked that I was more confident than anyone else in the room.
Yes, you heard me right…100 percent FAKE confidence. I didn’t lie about my abilities or talents, I just put on a smile and turned on the charm. It was almost like flirting with the guy you couldn’t get to talk to you. It all felt absolutely ridiculous, but it got me to places I could never imagine I would be if I hadn’t had the courage to try it.
Here are my top three tips to bring out your inner leadership and self-confidence:
1. Smile More
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There is nothing more inviting than a genuine smile. Smiling as you shake someone’s hand or even just saying “hello” in passing can make someone feel comfortable or at ease in your presence. This will allow them to feel more comfortable and be more willing to work or chat with you. I learned to do this by always trying to compliment someone when I first met them. It’s almost always easier to smile at a stranger if they are also smiling back at you.
2. Be Yourself
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I am an incredibly down to earth person, so when I was forced to dress business professional to interview or even network with potential employers and clients, it wasn’t hard for me to feel a bit out of place. In order to overcome this, I went and bought a great pair of shoes that go with any of my business professional outfits and will often show my personal style with a touch of my favorite color or an accessory. There is always room for a little personal flair.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
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This was one of the hardest ones for me, as in college you are supposed to be independent and self-manageable. I had received an invitation to interview with a company so big that I was concerned I’d make a fool of myself, so I went to my advisor and a professor who works in the field for advice. I had never done this before and yet, they were so happy to help. Every school has amazing resources in their staff and even among their students to teach you more than you ever could have imagined or guide you in more ways than you think. Give them a chance to advise you on more than your education. It might be uncomfortable at first, but it will make you feel so much better. I promise!
As a senior and as someone that leadership came to a little late in the game, there is nothing more valuable than the lessons it had taught me. I have overcome so much and helped inspire others to do the same. I have created amazing projects and continue to make them even bigger and better each and every day. There aren’t many things that I miss about being the shy and quiet girl who had strong writing skills and a knack for kicking a ball, especially when I have allowed myself to truly reach my potential. So for me, it’s off to the real world where hopefully I’ll have someone else inspired me to continue on my path to success, and I certainly hope someone will be there for you too.
Go get ’em tiger.