An Indian woman living in the US has shared how working alongside American colleagues changed her understanding of confidence in the workplace.
Harini, who said she is the only Indian in her office, reflected on how her upbringing had taught her to speak only when she was completely certain, a habit she now feels can sometimes hold people back professionally.
“I am the only Indian in my entire office and for years I thought that my American peers knew something which I didn’t. “I mean, growing up in India, I was taught that you have to think twice before you speak and don’t speak until you’re too sure about it. And that mindset, I guess it helped me in the school. “The room will never reward the idea which you never put it out, right?
Because while you are waiting to be perfect, someone else is already moving the conversation forward,” Harini said, so, this isn’t about pretending to know everything, it’s about not waiting until you’re 100% sure before you contribute.
It’s not that I didn’t know anything, but they were more comfortable speaking before they had all the answers,” she said. But I think it’s taking me nowhere here in the workspace,” she said. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “So I believe, at least I started to believe that confidence in these rooms is a skill and for the longest time I thought confidence is something that comes by birth and I lately realized that it is a skill which can be learned.”
Another commented, “‘Confidence is a skill. Couldn’t agree more. I always hear similar stories from my husband about his office and team. Thank you for sharing this.”
A third said, “Love this observation,” while another added, “This is so true.
