When I first started in business, I was fresh out of college. My supervisor hired me because after going through a rigorous set of interviews, I showed confidence, and because of that and the fact that I was an older graduate, I would be more mature and hit the ground running. And, it was true that I was a bit more mature and ready to work than the traditional college graduate. But, I definitely didn’t hit the ground running. I also found that the confidence I had in an interview was markedly different than the type of self confidence I needed on the job.
Like many of you, I wasn’t ready for the demands of the business world. Not because I wasn’t eager to jump in with both feet, but college really didn’t give me the training I needed. And the company I went to work with, while a very respected organization; their philosophy was initial on-the-job training and to ease me into my career as a sales professional. Then later, after I had gained a little experience, they would send me to their official sales training school. And while that worked for them, it didn’t do much to boost the confidence of a new hire.
I spent many nights pouring over books and presentations. I had all the company sales literature, I memorized every thing that I could about the brands. I was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. But what I lacked was confidence. And my boss did little to help me with my self confidence. And that’s what I needed.
To make a long story short, I found the confidence I needed. But it took a few years of effort and hard work. One day though, during a presentation to a group of senior managers at my largest customer, I finally realized I was that confident salesperson. And it changed my life.
Sometimes we are just not ready. But, we don’t need to be shown the door. We need others to embrace us and give us the coaching and teaching that we need to be successful and more confident. It’s a beautiful thing when folk decide to help- to take others under their wing and do what they can to make them more prepared for success.
Maybe you’ve just graduated from college and this new job is coming at you at 1,000 miles per hour. You hardly have time to blink, let alone understand it all. Or, maybe you are like me, at the tail end of your career and can understand what the younger candidates just entering the work force is going through. Seasoned employees and new employees, just entering their careers, need to connect. It’s that simple.
So, if you are new to your company and starting your career, ask questions so that you can find someone very seasoned in the organization that is willing to take you under their wing, and help you avoid the pitfalls and traps that come with a new organization and on-the-job-training. You could ask someone to become your mentor or just help you in a few areas. It will do wonders for your confidence.
And equally, if you are a seasoned employee, reach out to new employees and help them in any way that you can. Don’t leave them on a deserted island to fend for themselves. Help each other.
