As a manager, do you, at times experience doubt? or leaders to exhibit? I know it’s a strange question to ask but an interesting one none the less. Keep reading for the answer.
There are two types of doubt can have an impact on you, your work and your team. The first type of doubt I am referring to is the kind of doubt where you don’t believe something is possible or that something can happen. This sort of uncertainty can also show up as skepticism.
Maybe the experience is something you’ve tried in the past, and it didn’t work. For example, you make a definitive statement that this won’t work. I know because I’ve tried it before and it failed, so I doubt it will work this time. Another example is when someone says to you that people will be living on Mars within five years. What experience are you drawing from? None! So you make the statement, I doubt that is going to happen.
Skepticism is a great type of doubt if you follow through on your thought process. Don’t disregard the doubt and walk away from it. So, how do you make the most out of this type of doubt?
Research, learn and grow! When you come across something that you doubt is real, study it. Go online and read about the topic. Ask yourself, while I know I don’t believe this could happen but I want to learn more about it to see why I don’t believe. Is it an old limiting belief? Is it based on something that happened in the past? Where is your opinion coming from? Keep an open mind while you are learning about the issue to either confirm your opinion or learn enough to change your thoughts on the topic.
The second type of doubt is when you question your ability to do something, in other words, a lack of confidence. In this case, you need to determine why you have a lack of confidence. Is it a skill that’s lacking? Is it something that you failed at in the past? Is it a confidence issue?
With this type of doubt, you need to determine what the limiting belief is and discover some strategies to help overcome it. If it is a skill or a lack of skill that is causing the doubt, find a place to learn the skill. There are many choices, online or in person options to pick up these skills. You may even be able to learn it from someone in your organization that is proficient at the skill or exhibits the behavior you are trying to implement. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn a new skill or behavior because you have doubt that you can. In this day and age, you need to take this type risk to move past this kind of doubt and grow. Take the chance! You will be pleasantly surprised by the result.
So, when in doubt, determine which type of doubt you are experiencing and determine your next step(s); research, learn, obtain a mentor and grow.
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