Your Inner Monologue as a Leader

What do you say to yourself…?

· Before a business presentation

· Before a race

· Before a workout

· At the start of each day

· Before a team meeting

· During a performance appraisal interview that isn’t going so well

Actors have a personal script that they closely adhere to; otherwise, their character becomes unclear. Many successful performers describe using an internal monologue to guide them. What you say to yourself can affect how you project yourself to others. This self-talk is critical to how well you behave towards others as a leader, manager or colleague.

Your inner monologue can help you control your fear, because fear can be crippling. Fear interferes with our ability be clear, committed and confident.

Recall what you tend to say to yourself when you are most confident. Keep saying it. Recollect what you tend to say to yourself in those times you felt pressured, nervous and anxious. Stop saying those negative things – they are useless.

How you feel towards your audience, may be the compass that guides you well in your presentation or interview. Telegraph your fear, or project your confidence. Confidence is certainly more magnetic than your negative energies.

What sports can teach us are positive, encouraging and empowering leadership lines like:

Come on – you CAN do it.

Do it.

I will have fun today.

I will do my best.

Tomorrow is another day to improve.

Keep talking to yourself – positively! When you project these positive lines, verbally to others, then these become inspirational, motivational and encouraging.