1

Overcoming a Crisis and (Re)Gaining Confidence

Maria M. Klawe

President

Harvey Mudd College

Chair, Board of Trustees, ABI

2

Reassembly Required

3

Overcoming a crisis

Many types of crises precipitate a loss in confidence (not always immediately)

For most highly successful people this is a recurring experience

Necessary tools and skills are useful in other contexts

A great opportunity for self-learning A great opportunity developing leadership

skills

4

Immediately after the crisis

Acknowledge and validate emotions Talk to supportive people Defer decisions where possible Remember that time heals and give

yourself time Be good to yourself Remember previous successes,

previous crises

5

Starting Recovery Shift primary focus from emotions to problem-

solving; accept that emotions will re-emerge repeatedly

Gain understanding of factors behind the crisisBalance taking responsibility with accepting

that you can never control everything Prepare plan to resolve crisis Prepare plan for learning outcomes Remember your weaknesses are usually the

same as your strengths, be cautious in changing behaviors

6

Continuing Recovery

Form cheering squad Celebrate successes no matter how

small Expect and accept setbacks Use props to help stick to your plans Get feedback on a regular basis

7

Increasing confidence

Make sure you have people who provide unfailing encouragement, positive feedback

Connect with role models and mentors Be part of a peer cheer-leading group Make sure you have a comfy home base Learn how to become strong in an area of weakness Spend time doing things you do well Experiment with different activities and approaches Celebrate success Attend Hopper October 8-10 Keystone Colorado

8

Remembering Anita Borg

www.abi.org

9

reference

Kegan and Lahey: How the way we talk can change the way we work.

10

Questions and comments