Are You Worried That Your Insecurities Are Showing on the Job?

Everyone deals with insecurities at work, from new employees to high-level managers. Although worrying about making a wrong move or offending a client can cause some anxiety, it shouldn't affect your performance. On the other hand, if your insecurities start to show, you can lose credibility with coworkers and clients alike.

What Are Your Insecurities at Work?

Some of the most common insecurities at work include the fear of saying something that sounds unprofessional, being unable to understand certain concepts or accidentally offending a client or coworker. You might also be afraid of brainstorming with your team and not coming up with any good ideas or not being recognized for your hard work. You might even have insecurities about how coworkers view you, wondering if they think you're suck-up or a pushover.

Signs Your Insecurities Are Showing

If you fear being wrong, you might compensate by obsessing about being right, which coworkers can easily sense. For instance, you might correct others constantly or go out of your way to prove your method is the best way. If your insecurities at work include others seeing you as a downer, you might try hard to appear cheery in every situation.

Another way in which insecurities at work come to light is through self-deprecating statements. While laughing at yourself once in a while shows self-acceptance and humility, going too far with negative statements about yourself is a sign of insecurity. Avoid talking about the likelihood that you might never get a promotion or that no one recognizes your efforts, as this gives the impression that you think you're less capable than your coworkers.

Dealing With Insecurity at Work

First, take an honest self-assessment to understand what your insecurities are and whether or not they're showing on the job. Next, set some achievable short-term and long-term goals to help you build confidence, focusing on both your personal and professional life. In other words, think about impressing yourself before impressing your boss or peers. Another method is to engage in stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, to calm your mind and start thinking more positive thoughts.

Finally, ensure that your job motivations are intrinsic instead of extrinsic. If promotions, salary or praise from your manager is what you're after, you may always be prone to insecurities at work. Instead, boost your confidence by finding value in improving yourself, being an asset to your company and helping others to do the best they can.

While you don't want your insecurities at work to show, keep in mind that no one is perfect and that every professional deals with some level of fear. That being said, you're not fated to live with your insecurities forever. Be honest with yourself about where your insecurities lie, and take meaningful steps to boost your confidence.

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