Mod Note (Andy) - as the year comes to an end we're reposting the top discussions from 2015, this one ranks #42 and was originally posted 11/13/2015.
Confidence matters. Often it matters more than whether or not you're actually qualified.
Hewlett Packard discovered this years ago...
They were researching the discrepancy between men and women in upper management. Sexism was certainly a potential factor. But they found another factor contributing as well.
Men would apply for promotions when they met only 60% of the criteria. Women waited until they had 100%.
The result? Men received more promotions.
Not because they were better suited for the job. But because they raised their hands and said, "I want it."
My point in sharing this story is to illustrate that in life, and especially in the working world, your raw talent is far from the only thing that matters.
Your confidence, your willingness to extend yourself, your belief that you'll succeed, all these things have a massive impact on whether or not you'll get that new job you're applying for or your next promotion.
