The ability to like yourself is the key to success at work

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It’s good to be me

By: Amanda Horswill

The ability to like yourself is the key to success at work.

"GET over yourself.'" "Yeah, good on ya." "Rate yourself, do ya?"

In a country where "the tall poppy syndrome" punishes anyone for excessive vanity, it's no surprise that some employees show signs of a lacklustre self-esteem.

However, Saskia Pryce, developer of online job skills training software ezySkillz, says the ability to like yourself is the key to corporate success.

"Unfortunately, many of us grow up being told not to love ourselves or if you are seen to think of yourself highly, your peers ridicule you," Pryce says.

"In comparison, a negative self-esteem can become a barrier where the individual is unable to try something for fear of failure or further ridicule. It is important that people do have a realistic respect and appreciation for themselves in order to achieve personal goals in all areas of their life.

"We need to have a positive attitude, value ourselves highly, be convinced of our own abilities and see ourselves as competent, in control of our lives and able to do what we want."

Pryce says self-esteem is so important to securing employment that it's included alongside literacy skills, resume building and interview skills in the job skills training package. She says the results of the program are promising.

"We felt it was a relevant factor for many people. It is important that people understand that they are of value and they do have something to offer," she says.

"Understanding the strengths and skills gives them the confidence to be self-assured when applying for employment.

"We have witnessed the benefits of people learning that they in fact have a lot to offer an employer. Their body language actually changes, their motivation increases and they become much more animated."

Employees who refuse to improve their perception of themselves could be doing themselves out of promotions or new opportunities.

"People with high self-esteem are generally competent in accepting the challenge of a new role and new responsibilities," she says.

"Poor self-esteem often undercuts the capacity for real accomplishment and personal satisfaction, even among the most talented. It stops us from accepting challenges or trying new things.

"Self-esteem goes towards motivation. It is easier for some to take a backward step rather than be confronted with a negative outcome for the effort they have made."

She says employers looking to boost their staff's productivity should concentrate on their personal development and acknowledge their achievements.

"People with high self-esteem are more productive and are capable of achieving what is best for themselves and the business," she says.

"High self-esteem within the workplace creates a positive atmosphere within the team environment. It opens the way for resources and skills to be shared resulting in successful outcomes."

Improve self-esteem

* Change negative self-talk. Remember that everyone has something special to offer and you can only gain by taking a positive approach.
* Visualise what you want to create in your life.
* Each time you set yourself a goal, no matter how big or how small, when you achieve it you must recognise your accomplishment by nurturing yourself. You are worth it.
* Build a support system. You deserve to have at least one person to talk to.
* Use your talents. When we work with our talents, we automatically tend to succeed and gain recognition.
* Keep a journal. Writing is one way to get to know yourself and lower your stress level.