Confidence & Your Underwear

by Jill Crossland

I spent some time this summer talking to entrepreneurial women about what makes them feel confident, especially before an important event. The general consensus was that we are more confident when we look good. If the outfit, hair and make-up work we feel fearless, in control.

For some women there was a hint of underlying guilt around their use of the words confidence & appearance in the same sentence. The new editor-in-chief of Chatelaine magazine recently alludes to this…………

"Since its inception, the magazine has understood that a healthy interest in fashion & beauty does not preclude a commitment to social issues, culture & finances.
**Sara Angel, editor-in-chief, Chatelaine October 2006

Relating that quote to our confidence question; a desire to look attractive does not lessen our professional impact, anymore than it brings into question our intellect. Nor is it a female trait. As more men embrace facials and even manicures we realize that this is no longer one gender territory. Image is important to a strong sense of self and to how others perceive us. The entrepreneurial men out there are definitely well groomed, even the 'bad boys' of the music industry have a tailored image.

In conjunction with appearance many women said that being well prepared, arriving on time & generally not feeling rushed or overwhelmed all contributed to their self-assuredness.

As a business coach another facet that I work on with clients is how they interact with others. Confident people speak clearly, get to the point & answer questions concisely. They also listen attentively and don't interrupt.

You may not be able to do anything about that case of nerves before your next speech, presentation or meeting however you can control your image, mindset & preparedness. I also happen to believe that wearing a pretty bra under a power suit doesn't hurt either!

**Sara, call me. I would love to chat about your plans for the magazine and why can't we have a Canadian version of More Magazine for women over forty?

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