How to Build Self-Confidence and Apply Values

Seven Skills Everyone Needs to Succeed at Work

• Effective Communication

• Organization and Management

• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

• Teamwork and Delegation

• Leadership

• Professionalism/Work Ethic

• Confidence

Learning Objectives

• Explain what self-confidence is

• Assess yourself in situations that manifest confidence

• Determine how to build your self-confidence

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses

• Start developing habits that build self-confidence

Topics

• What is Self-Confidence?

• How Does Someone Appear More Confident Than Others?

• How to Build Your Self-Confidence

• Ten Habits that Destroy Your Confidence

• Phrases to Inspire Confidence in Others

What is Self-Confidence?

• Self-confidence is an attitude about your skills and abilities. It means you accept and trust yourself and have a sense of control in your life.

• You know your strengths and weaknesses well, and have a positive view of yourself.

• You set realistic expectations and goals, communicate assertively, and can handle criticism.

• Self-confidence means trusting in your own judgment, capacities and abilities.

• It's about valuing yourself and feeling worthy, regardless of any imperfections or what others may believe about you.

Thoughts and Actions Related to Self-Confidence

• Doing what you believe to be right, even if others mock or criticize you for it.

• Governing your behavior based on what other people think.

• Being willing to take risks and to go the extra mile to achieve better things.

• Staying in your comfort zone, fearing failure, and avoiding risk.

• Admitting your mistakes and learning from them.

• Working hard to cover up mistakes and hoping that you can fix the problem before anyone notices.

• Waiting for others to congratulate you on your accomplishments.

• Extolling your own virtues as often as possible to as many people as possible.

• Accepting compliments graciously. Example: "Thanks, I really worked hard on that prospectus. I'm pleased you recognize my efforts."

• Dismissing compliments offhandedly. Example: "Oh, that prospectus was nothing, really. Anyone could have done it."

Impact of Self-Confidence

• Low self-confidence can be self-destructive and may manifest itself as negativity.

• Self-confident people are generally more positive – they value themselves and trust their judgment. But they also acknowledge their failures and mistakes, and learn from them.

• When you have self-confidence, you trust your abilities, even when others don't. It means you do the right thing, even when it's hard, or when you have to go against the view of your group.

• People with a high degree of self-confidence often have greater success than those who don't. Confidence can enhance your reputation, get you the projects you want, and open up all kinds of opportunities in your career.

• Self-confidence can be learned, just like any other skill. And there's a lot you can do to build it up.

How to Appear More Confident

• Think of someone that you admire that shows confidence. What do you see in them that makes them look confident?

• The way they speak (tone, how they project their voice, words)

• Their energy and enthusiasm

• How expert or knowledgeable they are about something.

• You can show your confidence in your:

  • Behavior

  • Body language

  • Face-to-face communication

  • Expertise

How to Build Up Your Self-Confidence

• Think positively

• Set Goals

• Celebrate achievements

• Stop making assumptions

• Express your feelings respectfully

• Identify strengths

• Don't dwell on failures

• Build Confident Habits

Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths

  • What am I good at?

  • What have others complimented me about?

  • Which projects have I spent hours on without getting tired?

  • What are my hobbies, and why do I like doing them?

• Weaknesses

  • What have others had to help me with on more than one occasion?

  • Which projects and tasks seem to drain my energy?

Ten Habits That Destroy Your Confidence

• Neglecting your appearance

• Obsessing over minor flaws

• Talking about your perceived weaknesses

• Over complimenting others

• Believing your negative self talk

• Excessive apologizing

• Letting others make decisions for you

• Lowering your standards

• Maintaining toxic relationships

• Comparing yourself to others

Inspiring Confidence in Others

• Confident people inspire confidence in others: their audience, their co-workers, their bosses, their customers, and their friends. And gaining the confidence of others is one of the key ways to succeed.

• Phrases to Inspire Confidence In Others:

  • You are capable

  • That was brave

  • You’ve got this

  • I believe in you

  • You can do hard things

  • You are enough.

  • No matter what happens, I love you

  • How’d you do that?

  • That sounds awesome! Can you tell me more?

  • Give it your best

  • I know it’s hard but I have seen you do it before.

  • You make me proud.

  • Do you want to try something crazy?

  • Sometimes new things can seem scary, but they can be exciting.

  • I know you tried your hardest and I am proud of that effort.

  • Sometimes we make mistakes and that’s how we learn.

  • I can do it!

• "Marami ang nagsasabi na hindi natin kaya, kaya nyo yan kasi Pilipino tayo. You just have to believe in yourself.” – Hidilyn Diaz

• I CAN DO ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me - Philippians 4:13

Applying Values, Habits and Attitude

Learning Objectives:

• Relate the Values of SCCGTI to their personal development

• Define habits and how they can be aligned with their personal goals

• Discuss the seven habits of highly effective people

• Develop effective study and personal habits

Topics

• The Core Values of SCCGTI

• Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

• Eleven Bad Study Habits to Avoid and How to Fix Them

Core Values and 21st Century Skills

• Moral Integrity

• Effectiveness and Efficiency

• Critical Thinking

Values

• VALUES are individual beliefs that motivate people to act one way or another. They serve as a guide for human behavior.

• Your values are the beliefs and principles that you believe are important in the way that you live and work. They (should) determine your priorities, and guide your decisions and the way you act towards others. When the things that you do, and the way that you behave, match your values, life is usually good.

• "When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier." - Roy E. Disney

Christian Core Values

• Strong Faith in God

• Accountability

• Moral Integrity

• Unity

• Effectiveness and Efficiency

• Leadership

• Innovativeness

• Artistry

• Nobility

• Self-Discipline

Habits

• Values influence HABITS. Our values serve as the foundation upon which our habits are built.

• While values provide the moral compass that guides behavior, habits serve as the practical manifestation of those values in daily life.

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

• Habit 1: Be proactive

• Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind

• Habit 3: Put first things first

• Habit 4: Think win-win

• Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood

• Habit 6: Synergize

• Habit 7: Sharpen the saw

Descriptions of the Seven Habits

• Habit 1: Be proactive: Take the initiative and the responsibility to make things happen.

• Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind: Start with a clear destination so as to understand where you are now, where you're going and what you value most.

• Habit 3: Put first things first: Manage yourself. Organize and execute around priorities.

• Habit 4: Think win-win: See life as a cooperative, not competitive, arena where success is not achieved at the expense of exclusion of others.

• Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood: Build the skills of empathetic listening that inspires openness and trust.

• Habit 6: Synergize: Apply the principles of cooperative creativity and value differences.

• Habit 7: Sharpen the saw: Preserve and enhance your greatest asset-yourself by renewing the physical, spiritual, mental, and social-emotional dimensions of your nature.

Ten Bad Study Habits to Avoid and How to Fix Them

• Starting a study session without a plan

• Waiting until the last minute to start an assignment

• Spending hours studying, but not getting anything done

• Being distracted by social media and cell phones

• Studying in front of the television

• Trying to cram for tests the night before

• Not asking the teacher for help when you don’t understand

• Studying to remember, not studying to understand

• Keeping disorganized notes

• Not learning from your mistakes

Business Etiquette and Code of Ethics for Professionals

Learning Objectives

• Identify what etiquette is

• Discuss the five types of business etiquette

• Learn about the Code of Ethics for Professionals

Topics

• What is Business Etiquette?

• Five Types of Business Etiquette

• Code of Ethics for Professionals

Core Values and 21st Century Skills

• Moral Integrity

• Accountability

• Critical Thinking

• Communication Skills

Importance of Values and Habits in Business Etiquette

• Values and habits are crucial to business etiquette as they shape an individual's behavior and create a positive, respectful work environment. Business etiquette, in turn, helps to solidify these values and habits, fostering better relationships and communication within the workplace.

• Values drive behavior: Core values guide decision-making and influence how individuals interact with colleagues, clients, and customers. For example, if a company values honesty, employees are more likely to communicate transparently and avoid misleading information.

• Habits reinforce values: Positive habits, like being punctual, responsive, and respectful, align with core values and reinforce them, creating a more positive and professional work environment.

• Business etiquette provides structure: It provides a framework for how values and habits are expressed in the workplace, ensuring that individuals understand what is expected and how to behave professionally.

Business Etiquette Defined

• Business etiquette refers to the requirements and expectations of social and business behavior, practices and conduct that are prescribed by social convention, and a code of ethical behavior among professionals.

• It’s not just about rules and telling people what they can or can’t do, it’s about ensuring that people are treated with respect.

• It basically boils down to demonstrating good manners.

• Business etiquette is a type of behavior that team members are expected to follow to uphold the company image and respect each other.

• Business etiquette may change from culture to culture, but when everyone understands and follows a particular set of standards, it can create a sense of unity.

• Business etiquette is sometimes unspoken, but more often than not, team members will agree upon the basic rules so everyone presents a united image. When team members follow business etiquette, it builds effective communication in the workplace.

• Business etiquette is a set of general guidelines for manners and behavior that allows professionals to feel comfortable and safe at work or in other professional settings.

Why Observe Business Etiquette?

• Business etiquette is important because it creates a professional, mutually respectful atmosphere and improves communication, which helps an office serve as a productive place. People feel better about their jobs when they feel respected, and that translates into better customer relationships as well.

Five Types of Business Etiquette

• Workplace Etiquette

• Meal Etiquette

• Communication Etiquette

• Professionalism

• Meeting Etiquette

Workplace Etiquette

• These rules deal with your behavior at the office. Culture and expectations differ from company to company, so what's rude at one workplace may be normal at another.
  *Some Universal Workplace Etiquette

• Acknowledge everyone you come into contact with. Even a simple "How are you?" or a quick smile is enough.

• Clean up after yourself in shared spaces (i.e., meeting rooms, kitchen, etc.).

• Show respect for shared items. Borrowed a stapler? Return it to the correct place. Did the printer run out of paper after you used it? Replenish it.

• Practice active listening in conversations.

• Don't overshare about your personal life at work. Additionally, topics like religion and politics should be avoided.

• Respect people's time by sharing information clearly and succinctly.

Table Manners and Meal Etiquette

• Put your napkin in your lap when you sit down.

• Order items in a similar price range to your dining companions.

• Don't start eating until everyone has received their food.

• Give others equal opportunities for conversation.

• Pass condiments and dishes from left to right rather than reaching across the table.

• Chew with your mouth closed.

• Don't snap your fingers at your server.

• Don't blow your nose at the dinner table. Instead, excuse yourself to visit the restroom.

• After the meal is over, partially fold your napkin and put it to the left of your plate.

Communication Etiquette

• Phone

• Email

• In-Person

Phone Etiquette

• Don't speak too loudly or too softly. If you're worried about your volume, ask, "How am I coming across? Do you need me to talk more or less quietly?"

• Never interact with your phone while you're with someone else. Keep it stashed in your pocket or bag at all times.

• If you're on a conference call and you're not speaking, mute yourself so the others aren't distracted by the outside noise.

• Use a pleasant but professional tone of voice.

Email Etiquette

• Aim to answer internal emails within one day and external emails within three days.

• Avoid overusing exclamation marks and smiley faces.

• Default to "Reply" over “Reply All”

• Check with each party before you make an introduction.

• Check for grammar and spelling before hitting "send."

• Don’t send anything that you wouldn’t say in person.

In-Person Etiquette

• Steer clear of complimenting someone's appearance, since this can make people feel uncomfortable.

• Maintain eye contact 60% to 70% of the time.

• Match their speaking volume.

• Show interest in what they're saying.

Professionalism

• Being professional means contributing to a pleasant, productive, and inclusive work environment.

• Professionalism includes an entire range of behaviors:

• Keeping your word: When you make a commitment — whether it's big or small — keep it. If you know that will be impossible, give the other person as much notice as possible.

• Being punctual: Show up on time (or early).

• Remaining calm: Even in heated situations, do your best to stay cool.

• Acting flexible: Sometimes you'll have to stay late, show up early, change plans, move meetings, and more to make things work. Unless this is happening all the time, accommodate these changes without raising a stink.

• Using diplomacy: There will be people you don't like — prospects, coworkers, or both. Be kind and amiable anyway.

• Accepting constructive criticism: Throughout your career, others will offer feedback. If you're closed off to it, you'll not only harm your professional rapport, but you'll also lose valuable opportunities to improve.

• Appearance: Follow the dress code and always practice good hygiene.

Meetings Etiquette

• Meetings are an important aspect of business communication that allow teams to share ideas, discuss strategy, and get on the same page about projects and priorities.

• Below are some strategies for maintaining proper meeting etiquette, whether you're meeting in-person or virtually:

  • Send a meeting agenda around when you invite people to attend so they can prepare for the discussion in advance.

  • Be mindful of time zones and the daily schedules of the people you're inviting when setting a time so nobody has to attend a meeting too early or too late in the day.

  • Cater lunch or ask people to bring lunch if your meeting is scheduled during a typical lunch hour.

  • Introduce new team members or first-time attendees to the larger group.

In-person Meetings Etiquette

• Test your equipment beforehand to ensure a smooth meeting.

• Give attendees up to five minutes to settle in before diving into the agenda.

• Follow or set a clear agenda so people have time to think about contributions and ideas before presenting.

• Ask questions at an appropriate time. Avoid interrupting someone while they're speaking.

• Call on everyone who wants to participate in the discussion, or go around in a circle so everyone can speak.

• Don't speak too loudly so as not to disturb people working around you.

• Observe your body language; watch out for fidgeting, foot tapping, and swiveling your chair side to side.

Virtual Meetings Etiquette

• Look at the camera — not your own face or theirs — so you seem like you're making eye contact.

• Shut the door and make sure you're not interrupted by your pets, children, roommates, etc.

• Before your meeting, check the area in camera range for inappropriate or overly personal items.

• Provide non-verbal acknowledgement, like nodding and smiling.

• Follow the dress code — even for virtual meetings.

• If you're the meeting facilitator, make sure all participants have the chance to speak or present ideas, even if they're tuning in remotely.

Code of Ethics for Professionals

• Code of Ethics is a guide of principles designed to help professionals conduct business honestly and with integrity.

• A code of ethics, also referred to as an "ethical code," may encompass areas such as business, a code of professional practice, and an employee code of conduct.

• A code of ethics document may outline the mission and values of the business or organization, how professionals are supposed to approach problems, the ethical principles based on the organization's core values, and the standards to which the professional is held.

Key Aspects of a Code of Ethics

• Sets out an organization's ethical guidelines and best practices to follow for honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

• For members of an organization, violating the code of ethics can result in sanctions including termination.

• In some industries, including banking and finance, specific laws govern business conduct. In others, a code of ethics may be voluntarily adopted.

• The main types of codes of ethics include a compliance-based code of ethics, a value-based code of ethics, and a code of ethics among professionals.

Understanding the Code of Ethics

• Business ethics refers to how ethical principles guide a business's operations. Common issues that fall under the umbrella of business ethics include employer-employee relations, discrimination, environmental issues, bribery, insider trading, and social responsibility.
  Both businesses and trade organizations typically have some sort of code of ethics that their employees or members are supposed to follow.

• Breaking the code of ethics can result in termination or dismissal from the organization.

• A code of ethics is important because it clearly lays out the rules for behavior and provides the groundwork for a preemptive warning.

Assertive Communication

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the definition of Assertive Communication

• Distinguish the best style of communication

• Learn how to communicate assertively

Topics

• Definition

• Communication Styles

• Why do we need to communicate assertively?

• Characteristics of Assertive Communication

• Benefits of Assertive Communication

• Tips on Assertive Communication

Core Values and 21st Century Skills

• Effectiveness and Efficiency

• Self-Discipline

• Communication Skills

• Critical Thinking

Definition of Assertive Communication

• “is the ability to speak and interact in a manner that considers and respects the rights and opinions of others while also standing up for your rights, needs, and personal boundaries”

• Assertiveness is a manner of communicating and a relational style used by individuals to express their needs confidently, openly, and in a positive manner.

• Acting assertively is an interpersonal skill that helps people to maintain healthy relationships, resolve interpersonal conflict, and prevent one’s needs from being stifled or repressed.

• A way of communicating feelings, thoughts, and beliefs in an open, honest manner without violating the rights of others.

Communication Styles

• Passive

• Assertive

• Aggressive

Characteristics of Communication Styles

• Passive

• Assertive

• Aggressive

Defining Communication Styles -

• AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION is a style in which individuals express their feelings and opinions and advocate for their needs in a way that violates the rights of others. Thus, aggressive communicators are verbally and/or physically abusive. Aggressive communicators will often:

  • try to dominate others

  • use humiliation to control others

  • criticize, blame, or attack others

  • be very impulsive

  • have low frustration tolerance

  • speak in a loud, demanding, and overbearing voice

  • act threateningly and rudely

  • not listen well

  • interrupt frequently

  • use “you” statements

  • have an overbearing or intimidating posture

More Definitions

• PASSIVE COMMUNICATION is a style in which individuals have developed a pattern of avoiding expressing their opinions or feelings, protecting their rights, and identifying and meeting their needs Passive communicators will often:

  • fail to assert for themselves

  • allow others to deliberately or inadvertently infringe on their rights

  • fail to express their feelings, needs, or opinions

  • tend to speak softly or apologetically

  • exhibit poor eye contact and slumped body posture

More Definitions -

• ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION is a style in which individuals clearly state their opinions and feelings, and firmly advocate for their rights and needs without violating the rights of others.

  • Assertive communicators will:

    • state needs and wants clearly, appropriately, and respectfully

    • express feelings clearly, appropriately, and respectfully

    • use “I” statements

    • communicate respect for others

    • listen well without interrupting

    • feel in control of self

    • have good eye contact

    • speak in a calm and clear tone of voice

    • have a relaxed body posture

    • feel connected to others

    • feel competent and in control

    • not allow others to abuse or manipulate them

    • stand up for their rights

Why do we need to communicate assertively?

• It’ll boost career prospects

• People will gravitate toward you

• It will lead to stronger relationships

• Your self-esteem will grow

• It will reduce your stress levels

• You’ll be able to negotiate better

• You’ll become a better influencer

• You’ll become less of a pushover

Characteristics of Assertive Communication -

*Direct eye contact
*Posture
*Tone of Voice
*Facial Expression
*Timing
Language
Nonthreatening, non-blaming
With Clarity
Positive Language
Language without criticism

3 C's of Assertive Communication

Confidence: stay composed, and believe in yourself and what you are saying
Clarity: make sure your message is clear and easy to understand
Control: monitor the situation closely and adapt accordingly.
Benefits of Assertive Communication
Greater self-awareness
A more positive self-image
An increased likelihood of finding positive solutions
Greater self-confidence
Higher self-esteem
More respect for others’ opinions and viewpoints
Greater self-control
More effective communication skills
Higher self-respect
Increased ability to avoid interpersonal conflicts
Greater self-disclosure
Reduced anxiety

Benefits of Assertiveness

• Greater self-worth

• Reduced likelihood of being exploited or coerced

• An enhanced ability to control stress

• Reduced depression

• Stronger relationships

• Better health
  Better communication
  Less stress
  More trust
  More confidence
  *

Tips on how to Communicate Assertively

• State your point of view or request clearly.

• Tell the other person how you feel as honestly as you can, and remember to listen to what they say as well.

• Think about the tone and volume of your voice – how you say it is as important as what you say. Speak at a normal conversation volume, rather than a shout or whisper, and make sure that you sound firm but not aggressive.

• Make sure your body language matches – your listener will get mixed messages if you are speaking firmly while looking at the floor. Try to look the other person in the eye, stand tall, and relax your face.

• Try to avoid exaggerating with words like always and never. For example “You are 20 minutes late, and it is the third time this week” rather than “You are always late!”.

• Try to speak with facts rather than judgements. For example, “This report has important information missing” rather than “You have done a bad job again”.

• Use ‘I statements’ as much as possible, to tell the other person how you feel, rather than be accusing. For example, “When you leave your dishes on the table, I feel frustrated because I don’t like the mess but don’t want to clean it up for you” rather than “You’re such a pig!”.

• Practice often – assertiveness is a skill which requires you to practice in many different situations. Don’t forget to praise yourself for your good efforts.

• Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6