How important is self-esteem to your employee’s success? As managers, we all know that high self-esteem breeds high confidence and a high feeling of self-worth. These are critical traits in the success of any employee. That said, here’s an important, introspective question: What kind of self-esteem does each of your employees have? If you don’t know, I would challenge you to start watching your employees. Believe it or not, you can play an important role in increasing your self-esteem and can change your attitude and performance in the process.
It has always interested me that the term self-esteem begins with “I”. Our self-esteem is usually not determined, high or low, by ourselves, but by feedback from those around us. We get a view of ourselves in our mind as to who we are, and our strengths and weaknesses, based on what others tell us and about us. As a manager, knowing this simple fact unlocks a key of opportunity to change and improve the self-esteem of our employees every day. In essence, powerful words and affirmations can lead to a changed, more confident, self-confident, and productive employee. I have seen this metamorphosis happen to thousands of people in my career. All this is possible thanks to the power of words!
Have you ever had someone important in your life (a spouse, parent, sibling, teacher, coach) constantly tell you that you weren’t good enough in certain areas of your life? Someone who tended to focus on your weaknesses instead of your strengths? Someone who was always correcting you? How did that make you feel? What was the impact and what were the long-term repercussions? Did it have a negative impact on your self-esteem, self-image, and self-esteem? Do you think your employees have had (or are having) the same experience in their lives? As their manager, are you one of those critical people?
Now let’s see it another way. Has he ever had (or has) someone important in his life tell him that he could do anything? Someone who found the best in you? Someone who constantly built you up and focused on your strengths? If so, and I hope you have, you know the positive impact it had on changing your view of yourself and building your confidence and self-esteem. That’s exactly the kind of influence you can have on the lives of your employees. No matter what negative comments your employees receive from other people in their lives, you can counter that with positive, encouraging words. By doing so, you will not only increase your self-esteem and confidence, but you will earn their respect, admiration, and loyalty. These are qualities that make them great employees! It all depends on how you talk to and treat the people in your care.
Let me share with you some timeless words of wisdom and truth from the Bible that will support this point: “Do not let any bad words come out of your mouth, but only what is useful to edify others according to their needs so that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 5:29). You have the power to make a difference in the lives of your employees. Starting today, make that difference!
