The Top 50 Management Dilemmas

Lack of confidence

Someone who reports to you seems to have less confidence than they should in their own ability. The individual is reluctant to take on what you think are challenges which you believe are appropriate to their level and ability; the person may also be unwilling to contribute to group discussions.

First, think:

• Do you feel you know this person well enough to make this judgement of them? What sort of relationship do you have with them? If they are new, how much of their history do you know?
• Is this behaviour new or has the individual always lacked confidence? If it’s new, has something changed? Has the team composition changed or has their job role changed? Have there been any significant changes in the organisation’s structure ...