JULY 2006
SKILLS IMPROVEMENT
BY TERI BURGOS-GUTIERREZ

ENHANCING SELF-ESTEEM IN THE WORKPLACE

“Take away my people, but leave my factory, and soon grass will grow on the factory floor. Take away the factory, but leave my people, and soon we will have a new and better factory.” Andrew Carnegie

I have always been a staunch believer that the enhancement of self-esteem must begin very early in life. At a young and tender age, children must begin to develop self -confidence in themselves. The development of self-esteem must be based on a sound foundation that starts in the family. Parents should instill in the young minds of children the value of believing in the “self.” It is important for them to encourage the process of delegating some type of responsibility to children in the home. Giving them tasks will give them a sense of accomplishment, self-assurance, and independence. This enable the children to be prepared for more challenging tasks in the future.

Believe, Feel, Exude

As an adult, never let others determine or diminish your self-esteem. Confidence must come from within. You must believe it, feel it, and exude it. Don’t dwell on your mistakes or setbacks, instead learn, and grow from them, and move on. Don’t allow mistakes to defeat or discourage you and don’t take criticism personally. It is necessary to work hard on self-esteem. It is something you can’t buy in the mall. Self-esteem is respecting who you are and what you are.

Seven Tips for Self-esteem Enhancement

Here are 7 simple ways for self-esteem enhancement:

• Recognize that you’re unique just the way you are – the one and only and the very best there ever was. You simply are the best.
• Recognize your self-worth is innate and not determined by actions and decisions. You may lose a job, but you’re not a loser. You may fail in a project, but you’re not a failure.
• Accept 100% accountability for your choices and decisions.
• Recognize and accept the fact that you create your own tensions, positive or negative with your reactions or responses to what is happening in your world.
• Recognize that mistakes are stepping stones to further achievement. Not admitting one’s mistake is actually committing another mistake.
• Enjoy each day one day at a time, recognizing that life is a journey to be embraced moment by moment. Be happy! Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
• Give yourself plenty of praises for the effort. Praise pays even when things are not going well. Smile!

Role of the Workplace in Developing Self-esteem

If individuals possess or receive a great deal of healthy self-esteem, they will be self-starters motivated to work diligently, and will enjoy the journey as well as the destination. If employees receive respect and support, they will enjoy the work even more. If there is disrespect and no appreciation, they will find the workplace unpleasant and will soon seek a more congruent work situation where they will be loved, respected, and valued.