Why You Should Be Bold at Work

Why should you be bold at work? Well, simply put, let me reference this quote:

Fortune favors the bold.

Beyond that, there are several more important reasons to be bold at work…

First, let’s be real — there’s no fun in playing it safe. Playing it safe is boring. Sure, there may seem to be security in playing it safe. But don’t you want more from life than only to play it safe? Be bold, and dare yourself. You’ll be surprised at what you can do.

Secondly, by being bold in business, you will stand out in a crowded landscape. Picture one fish swimming upstream against all the others. Or picture a full page colorful advertisement in an otherwise black and white newspaper. Do you get the picture? Why blend in when you can stand out? Indeed, you were made to stand out! You have unique talents and skills that only you have! As Dr. Seuss so eloquently put it…

Also, operating in a bold manner will open you up to new opportunities. Be in the right place at the right time, and wonderful things happen. And the more you live boldly, the more you open yourself up to crossing paths with opportunity.

In the words of a former United States president…

How to Be Bold at Work: Stop Doing These 9 Things

Are you feeling inspired to act more boldly in business? Great! Let’s do it.

In order to begin living a bolder life professionally-speaking, start by changing these nine things…

1 – Quit using weak words

Particularly as women, we tend to excuse ourselves, apologize for ourselves, and otherwise make ourselves seem small with our words.

Quit using words that diminish the strength of your thoughts!

In fact, I call for an immediate ban on the following words in both your written and spoken communication: just, I’m sorry, I think, kind of, I apologize, I hate to bother you, I’m not sure, I was wondering if, might.

Do you get my drift? Words matter! And you matter! So, clearly articulate your thoughts with words that are as strong as you are. Don’t shrink back

2 – Stop seeking the approval of others

People-pleasing always results in you conforming. People-pleasing always leads to you blending in – not standing out.

Let go of the need to win the approval of others. Let go of the need to be perfect. Take a chance. Take some risks.

3 – Let go of perfectionism

Learn the concept of failing forward. After all, if you’re not failing, you’re probably not moving forward at all either. When you do fail, learn from it. But don’t only learn from it. You also must change your actions going forward. So, if you continually learn and re-evaluate and course correct each time you fail, you will move forward and you will succeed!

4 – Don’t display a negative attitude

Let’s be real… no one wants to be around a negative Nancy. Don’t be that person! There’s nothing more draining on the culture of a company than a negative Nancy or Ned.

Rather, always embrace a “can do” attitude. People naturally tend to rally around positivity. So, be that person that makes people want to band together!

At the very least, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.

5 – Pass on being passive

Don’t subjugate your personal power! Speak up. Say what you’re thinking.

Of course, you should always be respectful to your superiors, colleagues, and all who surround you professionally. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be assertive in your speech patterns.

6 – Waive your willingness to accept the status quo

Leapfrogging on point number two, don’t simply accept things as they are. Don’t do things just because they’ve always been done this way.

Rather, examine each situation with a fresh set of eyes. And really ponder your perspective of the situation. Offer up new ideas and solutions.

7 – Eliminate the excuses

Quit blaming others. Quit making excuses. Just get the job done!

In regards to excuses, well-known NFL football coach Bill Parcell has been known to say this…

8 – Stop being self-centered

It’s not all about you! Living boldly involves an element of paying it forward. There’s something so satisfying in helping others success.

9 – Delete distractions

Don’t fall for the myth of multi-tasking. Often times, multi-tasking makes us feel busy and important, but in the end, we end up with a lot of half-completed tasks. We have nothing of real substance of value to show for it.

Making a big impact requires a big commitment. Eliminate distractions, and focus wholeheartedly.

In Closing

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