When I am working with clients who are preparing for an important event or meeting, we often use a tool named “Who Am I?” I first used the tool with a client who was uncertain of how he would present himself at an upcoming conference where he would be meeting people for the first time. Our purpose was to find a way that he could center, build his confidence and handle himself well.
The tool works like this:
• prior to a meeting or event, take time to identify who will be there and how you fit in (set the context)
• identify why you are attending and why you belong there (center yourself)
• take time to lay out what you want to say about yourself when you meet people and what you will say about why you are there (presenting yourself)
• identify any doubts or insecurities you have about the meeting and address them, so you are not caught off guard – in some cases there may not be anything to do about them, but decide how you will handle them – in other cases, chase them away (build confidence)
• identify 3 or more goals that you have for the event or meeting (focus yourself on results)
So often, preparation marks the difference between success and failure. Staying centered and focused goes a long way in building your confidence and reaching your goals.
photo: Salvatore Vuono, FreeDigitaPhotos.net
