When Risk Impacts Our Confidence

Have you ever experienced that long, regret-filled walk back to your desk after a meeting; the one where you kick yourself repeatedly because of all the things you didn't say during the meeting.  

You beat yourself up for the rest of the day; on your way home from work; while you're eating dinner. Giving yourself one last mental beat down while you brush your teeth before bed.

You replay the moment a hundred times in your mind. Each time creating a different, more courageous version of yourself, than the one that actually showed up at the meeting. A version where you're saying all of the things you could have potentially said then, but didn't.

If any of the above struck a nerve, don't worry. These moments are supposed to happen, because we're human. 

On the other hand, you might want to consider panicking if you see similarities between yourself and Milton Waddams; the guy from the movie "Office Space" with the Coke bottle glasses, who let Lumberg take his red stapler.

As for me..I tend to base my communication decisions; the opinions that I will or won't share, on SWOT analysis.  The more risk I perceive once I've assessed the moment, the less likely I am to share what I'm really thinking.