Possessing a strong self-image breeds confidence. Confidence breeds success. Success breeds satisfaction, which then strengthens our self-image. It’s a never-ending circle in which we must thrive in order to flourish in the world of business. It is often those who live outside of this circle, or those with a low self-image, that wreck havoc on the inner workings of a successful business. Let’s explore both sides, as well as how they affect the business world.
Self image is defined as the opinion that you have of your own worth, attractiveness, or intelligence. From very early on in our lives, our self worth is developed and measured by our comfort with our physical attributes, peer relations, and most importantly, our home environment. It is affected by how we are treated, and affects how we treat ourselves and others.
Having a negative self image is most often a result of receiving negative communication. “You can’t do it”, “You’re not pretty enough”, “You’re not smart enough” are all forms of negative communication. Negative communication often comes from those who have a negative self-image, thus making it difficult to encourage a positive self image in another. Having a negative self-image will slow our progress as we grow, seek to become self-sufficient and independent, and become our own person.
In business, it is not difficult to detect those employees that have a negative self-image. These are the people who speak very quietly, don’t care about their appearance, appear to be nervous (especially in crowds), cannot make direct eye contact, and display a general lack of confidence. Some might even become critical of others and participate in office gossip. For all intents and purposes, this employee is not good for business success.
People with a low self-image tend to be lacking in performance value. Lacking the confidence required for a “job-well-done”, they complete their tasks at the bare minimum of their capabilities, and are thus unsure of their work. The old line “You can’t do it” possibly sticks in their mind, and they find that, indeed, at times they can’t. They have conditioned themselves to believe that if they’re told they can’t, then they can’t. Simple as that. And to try to overcome this by simply proving they can? Nearly impossible. Their psyches are too damaged by the destructive workings of the low self image.
On the flip side, so to speak, we have those who know they can. They know their worth. They know they have a contribution to make, and they make it. Green light, go! People possessing a positive self-image are often raised to believe they are beautiful (if even in their own way), smart, talented, and resourceful. If there is a limit, they’re not aware of it. Positive communication and the inner drive to succeed keep those with a positive self-image at the top of their game.
In business, a positive self-image goes all the way. Confidence breeds success, remember? From dressing well (to reflect confidence in our physical appearance), to performing well, proudly displaying your positive self image can lend credence to your abilities to succeed in the dog-eat-dog world of business.
