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Of course, economic certainty drives mind-set behaviours and perhaps we have a tendency to lose confidence when we hear negative news far more easily than we used to. Part of this is due to the fact that we operate in a global economy and what impacts other markets will invariably flow through to us.
But my overriding view this time around is let?s not talk ourselves into another recession. Let?s not lose our business confidence. Let?s try and hold our nerve and not be overly-influenced by media reports that appear to be interested only in potential bad news stories. I?m not suggesting for a moment that such stories aren?t important or have a profound impact on those directly (and indirectly) affected, but I would welcome a more balanced approach that also reminds people it?s not all doom and gloom. A sense of perspective that enables people, particularly consumers, to remain, if not naively confident, then at least pragmatic about what?s going on. That way we can perhaps remove some of the subjective uncertainty that tends to undermine confidence. A part of this is a wider recognition that the world of business rarely runs smoothly. Those nice graphs which forecast income and profit escalating on a continuous upward trend are rarely sustainable. In reality, businesses are far lumpier and there will always be times when performance is impacted by events that are outside our control. The important thing is how one reacts to this and retaining a perspective, based on balanced data is crucial in determining this. Small steps are also important, recognising your wins no matter how insignificant. If you possess good ideas, but unfavourable sentiment has created a paralysing phobia of moving ahead, take it step by step. Even in uncertain times it?s necessary to keep moving, or risk being left behind by more nimble competitors. Negativity has the ability to reduce confidence and drag a business down. When we surround ourselves with good energy we are automatically more productive. Have a power group of positive influences around you who’ll support your goals. Not only will they be able to provide you with a little push when you are feeling indecisive, they will also be able to reel you in when you get a bit off track. If you?ve been down in the depths of a seemingly intractable problem, spend some time with people from the creative side of your business ? I know from experience how invigorating this can be. Helen Keller once said: “Life either is nothing at all or an adventure.” In today?s highly competitive environment standing still is not an option. But in order to make progress, this requires a mindset that is open to new technology, fresh ideas, and occasionally an uncomfortable environment. So whatever is going on in China, or with the oil prices, or any other macro issues for that matter, I would urge leaders to have the courage of their convictions to press ahead with confidence. Otherwise we may be in danger of ending up where we were a decade ago.Want to be more confident? It?s been proven you should try lying down in a crowded area for 30 seconds to boost your belief.
Andrew Moore is a director at business change specialist DAV ManagementShare this story