by joblakeleytraining | Feb 3, 2026 | Articles, Businesses
Last week, during a coaching session, a senior leader said something that, at first glance, sounded entirely reasonable: “I’m not avoiding the decision – I’m just being careful.” And they meant it. This was someone thoughtful, diligent, and highly capable. A...
by joblakeleytraining | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles, Businesses
Reassurance-seeking is rarely labelled as a confidence issue at work. More often, it’s interpreted as diligence, collaboration, or care. But when confidence depends on external validation, it quietly shapes behaviour in ways leaders don’t always see – and often...
by joblakeleytraining | Jan 19, 2026 | Articles, Businesses
In high-performing environments, control is rarely questioned. In fact, it’s often quietly praised. The people who are most controlled are frequently described as diligent, reliable, detail-oriented, or as having “strong ownership.” They anticipate problems,...
by joblakeleytraining | Jan 13, 2026 | Articles, Businesses
If you manage or develop people, you’ve probably seen it: capable employees who don’t speak up, high-potential team members who hold back, and talented people who seem less confident than their ability suggests. What’s often driving this isn’t a lack of skill or...
by joblakeleytraining | Jan 8, 2026 | Articles, Businesses
At the end of last year, I launched The Confidence Breakthrough – a book, an online course and a set of cards designed to help professionals build confidence at work from the inside out. It’s been exciting, meaningful work. It’s also forced me to look closely at...
by joblakeleytraining | Dec 19, 2025 | Articles, Businesses
January often raises quiet concerns for leaders: you’ve set fresh goals, you’ve reset priorities and you’re ready to start strong. But instead of renewed energy, you notice something else: people seem quieter people seem quieter decision-making slows confidence...
