#power pose

One of my morning rituals I developed in high school.  One of the most common human fears is glossophobia (public speaking).  I was raised to face fears, and when I sat down to fill out my next year’s schedule request, my father nudged me to take Speech Class.  I remember my hand trembling as I wrote in the course number.  The first day of class, even before she handed out the syllabus the teacher stood on her desk and put her fists on her hips and introduced herself.  This was way before Dead Poet’s Society so I can’t say she got it from there.  Anyway, she then explained that was her Wonder Woman power pose and that it increases confidence.  She then informed the boys in the class, we could refer to it as Superman Power Pose.  We were to each stand with our fists on our hips, chest out and in a loud clear voice say our name.  I was fourth to do so and I was amazed my voice didn’t crack, but I did feel a little more confident as three others did it without passing out or vomiting before me.  She then handed out the syllabus announcing the different types of speeches and debates we would be doing throughout the year.  However, our daily homework assignment everyday was to occur first thing in the morning. We were to stand in front of the mirror and power pose for one minute.  The only changes she made was we eventually added a mantra to increase our confidence every morning for which she cued us with.  How effective was this?  I never left home without confidence moving forward. 

One of the 7Cs of leadership is confidence. Which is basically knowing who you are, but is also the driver to all other effective traits of leadership: knowledge, competence, commitment, integrity, self-awareness, sense of humor, compassion, etc.  To add to this there are seven types of confidence which were identified by the Leadership Council: respect, vision, track record, openness, authenticity, consistency, and simplicity.  Kara Lawson has an excellent speech concerning the topic of confidence and its importance, especially when you take that first step out the door. Please take a moment to watch this short snippet video.

Ways to build confidence are simple. Wharton Institute of Executive Education recommends the following rituals to help develop and build and maintain confidence:

Use visualization to rehearse- this one is backed by neuroscience and studies.  Visualization activates the same areas of the brain as the actual movement.  Thus, visualizing doing something in the future serves as the “rehearsal” for that activity. So imagine overcoming certain obstacles that could arise which will build confidence.

Enact a performance ritual – rituals are practiced to improve performance. Wharton recommends creating a routine that puts you in a confidence frame of mind, which can be implemented before you face any new challenges. i.e. “power pose”

Give yourself small wins – this is one that has been mentioned in previous writings and is imbedded in numerous other positive attributes to developing leadership and teamwork towards success. Small wins get the ball rolling, builds momentum and your confidence.

Recite a mantra – Individual leaders often use success slogans, poems, or prayers.  This is something that was embedded within me from the likes of Mr. Rogers at a young age.  And as funny as it was, Stuart Smalley’s skit routine is quite impactful, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and dog gone it, people like me.”

Bring a lucky charm – A study from the University of Cologne in 2010 found that “activation of a superstition” can result in performance-enhancing effects. Like 35% more successful putting shots for golfers when they were told they were putting with a “lucky ball”.

1 through 4 are items I can attest to.  However, the power pose is one that I’ve not only used to as part of my start the day ritual, but I’ve also seen used throughout my career by others.  I’ve watched guest speakers and lecturers pump themselves up in parking lots, backstage, and bathrooms prior to standing on stage or behind a podium, even some CEOs of companies I worked for have done this.  My entrance into the military starting in basic, I watched numerous drill sergeants and military evaluators and instructors, not to mention generals stand with fist/hands on hips emitting confidence and power over their troops.  I’ve also read numerous articles since its introduction to me concerning how these simple rituals change the connection and chemistry of the brain to emit and instill confidence.  As to item 5, if it works, it works. I can’t say that I don’t have a lucky t-shirt myself for watching certain sports teams or lucky socks before chess matches.  When I was around soldiers before performing dangerous duties, I witnessed numerous lucky items rubbed between fingers, kissed, etc. But I believe that the power pose starts it all off in the morning.

“Strike a pose” -Madonna

Till next week, Strike a Pose (or Develop a Ritual) and Build Your Confidence, and as always- LEAD ON!

Danielle Voss

Saira Kaur

Koreatown Los Angeles CA 2023