Confidence: How Winning Streaks and Losing Streaks Begin and End – Rosabeth Moss Kanter
“Confidence: How Winning Streaks and Losing Streaks Begin and End” explores the concept of confidence in various settings, including business, sports, and politics, and examines how it can affect performance and outcomes. Kanter argues that confidence is not just a byproduct of success, but that it can also be a key driver of success, and she provides practical strategies for building and maintaining confidence in oneself and one’s team.
Confidence is not just a feeling, it’s a resource
Confidence is not just a feeling, but a resource that can be acquired and developed. It is not solely based on past successes, but can also be cultivated through deliberate actions and strategies. The book emphasizes that confidence is a key ingredient for achieving success in all areas of life, including business, sports, and politics.
Confidence is a team sport
Confidence is not just an individual characteristic, but is also a team sport. High-performing teams require a shared sense of confidence and a willingness to support and challenge one another. The book provides strategies for building confidence within teams and for fostering a culture of mutual support and accountability.
Confidence requires ongoing attention and renewal
Confidence is not a one-time achievement, but requires ongoing attention and renewal. Individuals and teams must continually invest in their confidence through deliberate actions and strategies. The book provides practical guidance for maintaining confidence over time and for avoiding the pitfalls of complacency.
Confidence can be a force for positive change
Confidence can be a force for positive change, as it allows individuals and teams to take bold action and pursue ambitious goals. The book encourages readers to harness the power of confidence for positive change in their personal and professional lives, and provides inspiration and guidance for doing so.
Confidence requires preparation and practice
Confidence is not just a matter of positive thinking, but requires preparation and practice. Individuals and teams can build confidence by setting clear goals, developing specific skills, and engaging in deliberate practice. The book provides practical strategies for building and maintaining confidence over time.
Confidence helps to overcome setbacks
Confidence is essential for overcoming setbacks and bouncing back from failures. Without confidence, individuals and teams are more likely to give up when they encounter obstacles or experience losses. By contrast, individuals and teams with high levels of confidence are more likely to persevere and find creative solutions to problems.
Confidence can be lost quickly
Confidence can be lost quickly, often as a result of unexpected setbacks or failures. The book emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and provides strategies for regaining confidence after setbacks.
Confidence can be built through diversity and inclusion
Confidence can be enhanced through diversity and inclusion, as it allows individuals and teams to draw upon a wider range of perspectives and experiences. The book emphasizes the importance of creating diverse and inclusive environments, and provides strategies for building confidence across different identities and backgrounds.
Confidence can be contagious
Confidence can be contagious, and individuals who exude confidence can inspire and motivate others. Leaders who project confidence can create a positive and energizing atmosphere that can help their teams achieve greater success. Conversely, a lack of confidence can be demotivating and can undermine team morale.
Success can create overconfidence
Success can sometimes create overconfidence, leading individuals and teams to underestimate the challenges ahead. This can be dangerous, as it can lead to complacency and a lack of preparedness. The book emphasizes the importance of maintaining humility and being aware of potential blind spots, even in the midst of success.