So you’ve suddenly been handed the keys to the castle and you’re feeling a little overwhelmed? Your boss obviously has immense confidence in your abilities, so why are you feeling a little out of your depth? It’s a natural reaction to feel a little self doubt when promoted to a new role, even if it was something you’ve wanted for some time. I remember my first management role. I was constantly feeling like any day now, someone will find out that I actually have no idea what I’m doing. Here’s a trick that got me through those first few years climbing the corporate ladder. The popular, age-old advice “fake it ‘til you make it’” can be of assistance to you in this situation (until you master your role) and here is how:
Don't have the answer: FAKE IT!
We call it the “buying-time phrase”. It can be distressing to be put on the spot at work and not have an answer for your boss or employee. Instead of having to say “I don’t know” or staring dumbly while your brain is trying to quickly craft up a response, have your buying-time phrase prepared and ready to go. You could respond with “There are a couple ways we can do that. Let me think about the best one and come back to you” or “I can answer that but I want to consider a couple other options and get back to you.” Put your own spin on it so it rolls off your tongue smoothly (and make sure your tone conveys confidence) but have it stocked for when the time comes…and it will come!
Confidence: FAKE IT!
Let’s face it - there will always be situations that make us feel nervous, not quite on our game, or completely out of our comfort zone. Jumping into a new role or starting a job at a new company definitely fits the bill. Research has shown that confidence is key to success but what if confidence does not come naturally to you? Fake it! There are a few easy strategies that you can utilise to boost your confidence such as, maintain eye contact, project your voice, dress the part, and always remember to smile.
Jargon: FAKE IT, then Google it!
When you move up the company ladder into a new position or to a new company, an entirely new set of words, acronyms, and technical terms will be thrown at you. There is absolutely no shame in not knowing what these buzz words mean. WE HAVE ALL BEEN THERE. Luckily, we live in an age where good ol’ Google is literally at our fingertips. Google is your best friend and has lots of advice, videos, tutorials, and definitions. When in doubt, Google.
Emotions: FAKE IT
Effective managers are shown to be authentic, open, and honest but according to one study, the best managers fake their emotions when dealing with their employees. Recent research has shown that “faking it…seems to be part of good people management.” Why is this? Many managers reported that to get the best performance by employees, they need to project encouragement and positive emotions, overriding any private misgivings. Lesson: hide your personal feelings and doubts to your employees and fake your cool.
These are examples of times when it is acceptable to fake it until you make it but being a good manager means knowing when to ask for help. As a manager or an employee with responsibilities (this would include most of us) you will encounter tasks and responsibilities that you flat out don’t know how to handle. For example, you may be asked to do a budget forecast for the next quarter but have zero financial experience. In situations where you are asked to do a task which you have no clue what to do or where to start, faking it will get you nowhere. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your colleagues or even your supervisors.
FAKE IT 'TIL YOU KNOW IT...
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