Building Your Confidence: Thriving in Minority Environments

Did you grow up thinking that confidence was something you were born with, like I did? You either had it or you didn’t. I certainly didn’t.

It took some exploration and experience to learn that confidence isn’t innate, but rather something you can develop, and it can be strengthened through intentional strategies. Unfortunately, that also means that confidence, can be knocked or chipped away at by situations, or criticism. I want to provide a few strategies to help you build confidence in minority environments.

Minority Environments: knock! knock! knock!
As a woman or person of colour being in minority environments is one of those situations that can give your confidence a knock. That minority environment could be:

• Being one of a few women in a male dominated industry
• Being the only person of colour in the room (as has happened to me a lot)
• Being the only woman or person of colour on a leadership committee or at a particular level of leadership at your workplace

Many of us have been in these situations and have felt uncertain. We have thought, I better prove my worth first before I say anything here. And though it is okay to get the lay of the land, you have nothing to prove. You are already ‘in the room where it happens.’

What is confidence: do I really need it?
Do you remember how you felt that first time you were sure you KNEW how to do something? I remember when I GOT simultaneous equations, I knew without a doubt that I could do it. It was a Saturday in lessons with Mr. Haynes at The Combermere School in Barbados. That feeling still represents confidence to me. I KNEW I could do it, and though one or two equations may have challenged me, I was confident I had it, and I approached those questions with a new attitude.

Confidence is a cornerstone of personal development, when you KNOW you can, your attitude, decisions and actions reflect that. Confidence is rooted in self-awareness, authenticity, and a healthy sense of self-esteem. It can:

• help drive you towards success, advancement in your career and happiness
• act as a shield against microaggressions and empower you to navigate challenges
• help you to speak up and/or advocate for your ideas with conviction
• motivate you to apply for that leadership role or opportunity that at one point felt unattainable

Confidence building strategies

1. Know your worth – Make a list of your accomplishments, skills and experience. This reminder will help you to recognise that you bring a valuable perspective to any situation. Please celebrate your successes and keep adding them to the list.
2. Set Clear Boundaries – Now this is a hard one, but it is essential! By setting clear boundaries you protect your energy and preserve your sense of self-worth. Sometimes you have to say no to situations or people who undermine your confidence or drain your energy. If you can’t avoid these situations, recognise how they affect you and take the time to replenish your energy soon after.
3. Practice Assertive Communication – Using ‘I’ statements, active listening, maintaining eye contact are all assertive communication techniques that you can use to affirm yourself respectfully and effectively.
4. Practice Self-compassion – This is SO important! That negative inner voice is what we are often fighting, especially if we have internalised stereotypes and other’s perceptions. Be kind to yourself! Remember that setbacks are part of growth and it’s okay to feel vulnerable. So, give yourself some time to feel what you feel, apply some self-care and then get back up!

​Most importantly, please also remember that you do not have to do it alone. Having a supportive network to remind you of your worth, listen to your concerns, who have also lived the minority experience can be empowering.

Let me help you
Coaching is a space where you are the sole focus, you will feel seen, heard, understood and will not be judged. As a woman of colour & personal development coach I want to give you that space to build your confidence, remember what makes you great, know your worth and grow.

Click here to get details and join the waiting list for my signature programme ‘The Developmental Curve’.