I'm worried I look incompetent at work, what can I do?
Nitya2014
on
Sep 14, 2014
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I undertand you are worried. But worrying does not slove the probem right? , Can you tell me the reasons that why do you feel incompetent at work?
Struggling with work stress?
Anonymous
on
Nov 8, 2014
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Do you have reason to think you're actually incompetent at work, or are you just being paranoid? Work on doing your best, and consider asking your boss if there's somewhere you should improve!
PeaceTrain
on
Nov 10, 2014
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First you have to work harder to improve your competency level. Also don't let your confidence slide easily. I suggest that you watch the following video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc
mimo29
on
Jan 7, 2015
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This could be either a genuine or baseless worry. You can tell which by asking your boss honestly how you're doing at work. This person has no motivation or obligation to assure you of your competence as others might because they are your friends or your competitors. Should you find out you are lacking in some areas, you know how you can improve. You can learn from your peers, or take more courses to improve your skills. If you find out you are worrying needlessly, reflect on that discovery: it could mean you are overly self-conscious or self-critical. You can then work towards having a more healthy mental life.
Nawar
on
Oct 19, 2014
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Everyone has faced this worry at some point of time. So first, you need to believe that you are not incompetent.
Hermes121
on
Dec 9, 2016
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I work in the ambulance service and come face to face with all sorts of unusual illnesses, issues and sometimes very high stress situations. The funny thing is that while we get plenty of training and help at the start there's no way to be prepared for everything and even the stuff you have trained for, like delivering a baby, can result in different presentations such as twins on a strangers couch.
My point is that most of the time I have no idea what I'm doing.
All I can do is smile, be as confident as I can and just hope that nobody can see that I'm bluffing. I then do it again and again until the point where even if I don't feel 100% confident, I'm doing a good job.
That's all that matters usually, a smile, appearing confident and not completely botching the job. Everything else is a bonus :)
Lucky
on
Nov 10, 2014
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The best way to overcome this is to actually become competent in whatever field you are in, also if you feel you are already competent you can do little self affirmations in the morning before going to work. Example, tell yourself "i am competent", "I deserve this Job". Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that we deserve the things we have.
Jonez
on
Sep 19, 2014
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Assess your work. Manage time wisely. Admit mistakes. Don't be afraid to ask your boss for feedback.
Anonymous
on
Oct 28, 2014
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If you feel as though that you're not doing to well at your job, let your boss know and surely they'll be able to reassure you and help put you on the right track to do better.
Anonymous
on
Sep 22, 2016
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This might be a self-fulfilling prophecy! If people can tell that you look worried, they may wonder if you have something to worry about! Build your self-confidence and stop wondering about what other people are thinking so much. People will respect you if your work is done well; focus on your work and less on them. Coworkers who disrespect you despite you being a good employee are not worth your concern.
crlody
on
Nov 8, 2014
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Don't be afraid to reach out for help. Ask your supervisor for training opportunities, whether inside or outside your company. Ask your supervisor to evaluate your competence and give you some suggestions on which areas to improve your work performance - it might sound counter-intuitive but most supervisors will look at this effort on your part as a personal strength and asset to the company. There are also plenty of books and other resources online and at the library to help you improve your work performance or confidence/self-esteem at work. Try asking someone at work who you view as successful for advice. Keep a work journal and write about challenging situations, how you handled them, what the outcome was, and whether you would do something differently in the future - this will give you a concrete guide to reference when you're feeling unsure.
Guruu
on
Nov 11, 2016
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Sometimes people have different skill set than what is required for a job. They accept the job because of the beed but this leads to friction and demotivation for the person. Evaluate you skill sets and validate the same with jobs requirement. If required have an open discussion with your superior and have his feedback and take corrective measures. Good luck.
HelpingOthers111
on
Oct 4, 2014
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You just have to work as hard as you can and people would never judge you for that. Who knows? Others might have the same exact fear as you.
Melil94
on
Oct 20, 2016
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Be the best that you can be given your emotional/mental state. Do not be afraid to be open about problems you may be having.
SamuelPeak
on
Oct 28, 2017
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Often worrying about looking incompetent or incapable, doubting yourself, or being unsure at all is exactly what confirms your suspicions to those around you. We all have our doubts, but what makes a leader, and a good worker is acting sure, and trusting yourself even when the odds might seem against you. Believe in yourself, and know your limitations and strengths, take your time if you have to, but do it right. Understand that every mistake makes you better, and that you can do what you need to, if you doubt yourself, you will prove your doubts correct. We’re not perfect, but if you know and can do your stuff, that’s all that’s asked of you. No one can ask more than your best, and that’s all that can be asked of you, so give it always.
LimpyT
on
Nov 22, 2017
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Its depends why you feel incompetent, if its your own insecurities and lack of self belief then work on complimenting yourself for a job well done. if your skill set is lacking, learn more about the job/industry to promote a greater confidence.
ThreePinner
on
Feb 9, 2018
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As a start, you might remind yourself that lots of us feel that way in our jobs. In some cases, that's what the job requires. It may also be the case that your concern for your competence is a sign of your determination to do a good job - it may just go hand-in-hand with a strong work ethic.
Then you might think back to a mentor or someone you respect in your field. Imagine what they would do in a particular situation. You'll merge the confidence they symbolize for you into your own insight and skills.
Eventually you won't worry about being incompetent because you'll see that your field, like all others, is ultimately flawed and silly and not nearly as impressive as you thought when you began, and that's all ok. We are all just doing our best and there's a humor and a poignant humanity in that.
Samalyn
on
Jan 18, 2016
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Set goals for yourself! No one can tell you that you are incapable if you are setting progressive goals that show how you've gained in skill! Best of wishes xoxo
Flaree
on
Oct 4, 2014
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Try your best and if you feel as if you can do better then learn more, take extra courses or ask your manager for extra help.
Ingrid9
on
Nov 9, 2014
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Perhaps ask somebody in management if there are any training opportunities. For example, maybe there is a workshop you could attend, or some resources you could read.
