Improving Self-Efficacy Example

Here's an example of a team member who had low self-esteem and low self-efficacy and how as his leader I was able to help him improve, using the four steps mentioned on the previous page:

The four factors that impact self-efficacy are:

1. Successful Experience - Success builds a strong belief that you can do it. Repeatedly handling difficult situations will build a sense of "I can do it".

2. Modeling - We get a boost from watching others who are similar to us succeed "If s/he can do it, then so can I".

3. Feedback from Others - Positive encouragement from people that we believe 'have the touch' can imbue in us the sense that we are capable

4. Physiological - Watching how 'uptight' we are feeling gives us feedback as to whether we think we are capable or not - e.g. clammy hands and butterflies in the tummy may cause us to think "I can't do this"

This team member mentioned to me "I'd love to take on the co-ordinators role for the team, some day, but I'm terrified of getting up in front of a group and talking" (Physiological State of Anxiety and Nervousness). This was a perfect chance to help him improve his self-efficacy. So I replied "If you would let me I'd love to work with you on this - I really believe you can do it - do you remember last week when you spoke at the project group meeting - you did so with such conviction - I know you could replicate this with the bigger team" (Positive feedback).

I then mentioned to the team member that I'd been working with another of his peers who had had similar concerns (Peer Modeling). We both agreed that in a short period of time he would be able to get up in front of a group too with confidence.

We then spent time together working on how he could start to be more vocal in the smaller group - taking the lead in many discussions which he would normally have sat back. After the first time he presented on a topic we sat and discussed what he could improve <>(Feedback). He found that with a little more preparation beforehand he was able to confidently and articulately participate in the small group discussions (Successful Experience).

Some weeks later he volunteered to lead up a project team. As leader of the project team he had to report back to the larger group. After the meeting he said to me, "You know, that went really well. I never thought I'd be able to talk in front of the group like that, but I did. Now I'm feeling much more confident about applying for the co-ordinators role" (Successful Experience)


Return to Main Self-Efficacy Article
Go to Articles Directory from self-efficacy-example

How Self-Esteem Shows Itself in the Workplace Steps of Positive Thinking
Affirmations and Visualization Optimism vs Pessimism Self-talk
Locus of Control Building Self-Efficacy Sense of Acceptance and Belonging

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