3 Tactics for Confident Stakeholder Management in UX

Summary

The video transcript discusses overcoming communication and confidence barriers in professional settings. It emphasizes the irrational fear of rejection and the importance of recognizing one's value within a team. The speaker suggests practical tools for boosting confidence, such as stepping aside to observe oneself objectively, asking informed questions to engage with others, and thorough preparation for meetings. These strategies are aimed at fostering a proactive approach and critical thinking, ultimately leading to increased confidence and effective communication.

Takeaways

• 🙌 Overcoming social pressures and fears, such as rejection and looking unintelligent, is crucial for confidence in communication.
• 🔑 Recognizing one's value and the reason for being part of a team can alleviate the fear of rejection and ostracization.
• 💡 The importance of professional contribution and preparation in building trust and a sense of belonging within a community.
• 🧘‍♂️ The concept of 'chattering' as a mental obstacle that can be overcome by learning to switch off and focus on the present.
• 📚 The recommendation of the book 'Chatter' as a toolkit for managing internal dialogues and achieving mental clarity.
• 🤔 The power of stepping aside and observing oneself from a third-person perspective to enhance critical thinking and confidence.
• 🤷‍♂️ The practice of dissociating from one's emotions during a situation to make better, more objective decisions.
• ❓ Encouraging the act of asking questions as a means to engage, contribute, and appear confident without needing to dominate the conversation.
• 🚫 A reminder to avoid 'lazy' questions and to come prepared with informed inquiries to foster meaningful dialogue.
• 📝 The significance of preparation in meetings and discussions to ensure one has something valuable to contribute and to build confidence.
• 🏆 The idea of a 'winner effect' where small victories accumulate to increase overall confidence and the ability to tackle bigger challenges.

Q & A

What is the primary challenge faced by the senior in the script regarding their communication skills?

The primary challenge is the lack of confidence in their communication and positioning skills, particularly in approaching stakeholders and feeling perceived as adding less value than they actually do.

What are some of the fears that could be holding someone back from being confident in their messaging?

Fears such as rejection, looking stupid, being ostracized or shunned away from the community or team, and the fear of not being taken seriously can hold someone back.

Why is it important to recognize that the fear of rejection is irrational in a professional setting?

It's important because you are likely there for a reason and have already earned trust. Being part of a community means that rejection or shunning is unlikely unless there is a significant and consistent lack of contribution or professionalism.

What is the book 'Chatter' about and how does it relate to confidence?

'Chatter' is about the internal dialogue that can keep people from switching off at night, filled with anxiety and self-limiting thoughts. It relates to confidence by suggesting that being able to quiet this internal chatter can help one become more confident.

How does observing oneself from a third-person perspective help in building confidence?

Observing oneself from a third-person perspective allows for dissociation from the immediate feelings of anxiety or self-doubt, enabling a more objective view of the situation and one's role within it, which can lead to better decision-making and increased confidence.

What is the significance of asking questions in improving one's confidence in a professional setting?

Asking questions is a way to engage with others and contribute to discussions without having to make bold statements. It invites others to include you in the conversation and can help you appear more confident and involved.

Why is it important to avoid being lazy when asking questions?

Avoiding laziness in asking questions ensures that the questions are informed and meaningful, which can lead to more respect from others and a more productive exchange of ideas.

What is the role of preparation in building confidence for meetings or discussions?

Preparation helps you come to meetings with a clear understanding of the agenda and potential discussion points, making you feel more grounded, composed, and ready to contribute effectively.

How can the practice of dissociation improve critical thinking in UX design or product management?

Dissociation allows for reflection on past experiences from an objective standpoint, which can help in extracting lessons and making better decisions in the future, thus improving critical thinking.

What is the 'winner effect' mentioned in the script and how does it relate to building confidence?

The 'winner effect' refers to the accumulation of small successes that lead to increased confidence. As you experience more wins, you become more confident and better equipped to tackle bigger challenges.

What book is recommended in the script for understanding how small things add up to build confidence?

The book recommended is 'The Winner Effect' by Ian Robertson, which discusses how small successes can accumulate to build confidence and improve performance.