An Indian woman living in the US has shared how working alongside American colleagues changed her understanding of confidence in the workplace. Harini, who said she is the only Indian in her office, reflected on how her upbringing had taught her to speak only when she was completely certain, a habit she now feels can sometimes hold people back professionally.
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Taking to Instagram, Harini shared a video explaining that she initially believed her American colleagues knew something she did not. Over time, however, she realised that the difference was often not knowledge, but their willingness to voice an opinion even without having all the answers.
‘They were more comfortable speaking’
"I am the only Indian in my entire office and for years I thought that my American peers knew something which I didn't. It's not that I didn't know anything, but they were more comfortable speaking before they had all the answers," she said.
Harini added that growing up in India, she was taught to think carefully before speaking and to avoid saying something unless she was sure about it.
{{/usCountry}}Harini added that growing up in India, she was taught to think carefully before speaking and to avoid saying something unless she was sure about it.
{{/usCountry}}"I mean, growing up in India, I was taught that you have to think twice before you speak and don't speak until you're too sure about it. And that mindset, I guess it helped me in the school. But I think it's taking me nowhere here in the workspace," she said.
She went on to explain that a person who is "60% sure" but shares an idea may be heard before someone who is "90% sure" but continues waiting.
"The room will never reward the idea which you never put it out, right? So, this isn't about pretending to know everything, it's about not waiting until you're 100% sure before you contribute because while you are waiting to be perfect, someone else is already moving the conversation forward," Harini said.
‘Confidence is a skill’
Reflecting on the experience, she said, "So I believe, at least I started to believe that confidence in these rooms is a skill and for the longest time I thought confidence is something that comes by birth and I lately realized that it is a skill which can be learned."
Watch the clip here:
Internet reacts
The post drew reactions from users who related to her observation. One wrote, "So true. They speak their minds freely. We were raised to hold back until we were absolutely sure. Even at home, speaking up wasn’t always encouraged, so many of us grew up hesitant to voice our opinions. But in North America, it’s difficult to climb the career ladder without speaking up and making yourself heard."
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Another commented, "‘Confidence is a skill.’ Couldn’t agree more." A third said, "Love this observation," while another added, "This is so true. I always hear similar stories from my husband about his office and team. Thank you for sharing this."
HT.com has reached out to the user for her comments, and the copy will be updated once her response is received.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)