Building Confidence in a Young Workforce: A Blueprint for Employers

I remember my first day of work out of college. I walked through the subway station to the towering World Financial Center. I was dressed to the tee, and looked like the thousands of other workers walking to work that day. I happened to be going to Merrill Lynch.

But inside I was freaking out. When would they find out they made a mistake? 

Ah. Hello, imposter syndrome.

As employers – whether you hire hundreds of young recruits or one – it’s easy to forget to nurture these young minds not just to become tomorrow’s leaders … but a valuable asset to your company today.

Here are a few things you can do to help them build confidence in their new role:

1️⃣Champion the Growth Mindset:

Foster an environment where challenges are viewed as opportunities to grow rather than roadblocks. Encourage the mantra: “It’s not about how much I know, but how much I can learn.” Celebrate their effort, resilience, and dedication to progress, rather than just the end results.

2️⃣Tackle Imposter Syndrome Head-On:

Openly discuss the phenomenon of feeling out of place or undeserving of their position. Share stories of seasoned professionals who’ve felt the same. Normalize these feelings and offer guidance on how they can navigate through them. Remember, understanding is the first step to overcoming.

3️⃣Celebrate Small Milestones:

Every project completion, every idea that brings value, every constructive feedback taken positively – recognize it. You don’t have to throw a party, but just saying “I noticed how you handled that client, and I liked how you shepherded them through that challenge.” Be truthful in your words and they will feel it.  You’re not just boosting their morale but also building their self-belief.

4️⃣Encourage Peer Mentorship:

Having someone who’s recently been through the same journey can be immensely reassuring. Peer mentors can provide guidance, share personal experiences, and be the much-needed sounding board for our freshest recruits.

5️⃣Provide Constructive Feedback:

Feedback is a tool for growth. However, it’s essential to ensure it’s balanced. While it’s crucial to highlight areas for improvement, it’s equally important to shed light on what they’re doing right. It provides them with a clear direction and boosts their confidence in their strengths.

The journey from a student to a professional is more than just a change of environment; it’s a mental shift. By cultivating the right mindset tools, we’re not merely easing their transition; we’re setting them up for long-term success and well-being.