What a crisis in confidence has taught me about people management

**1. AI, the robots, and that crappy Outlook add-on aren't replacing you.**

I got the most magnificent voicenote this morning (albeit 5:17, IYKYK) that said something like 'work have rolled out a new tool that tells me all about my meetings and what I need to ask in each of those meetings to be effective, and I'm worried my brain is going to die.'

It's an easy thought to have- particularly at the moment. But AI can also be our friend as people leaders- when the robots replace the slightly less competent robots, they give us the extra space we need to be humans. And, don't forget, that being a brilliant people manager is completely irreplaceable. For example:

- AI would deny that holiday request which doesn't quite follow policy, but would have helped someone feel valued and retained them for five years longer. - AI would summarise the problem someone is facing, without capturing and understanding that the root issue is anxiety about a given relationship. - AI would automate your review, denying your team member a chance to confess that you really want to get into copywriting, rather than social. - AI would run a team meeting covering progress towards objectives only, and miss the bonding experience of complaining about the weather.

The truth is, whilst there is still a workforce, they are going to need a cheerleader, and AI ain't it.

**2. Radiators not drains.**

As a leader, you can walk into a meeting or a room, sense a vibe, and have the power to either drive forward from that point, or pivot. The power of one is real and more than enough- you can shift the energy of an entire team. And this ability isn't confined to meetings or meeting rooms, it shows up in the day to day- the team chat that's a bit boring, or the routine risk and assurance meeting.

If you show up as a radiator- people feel it, and they radiate back the same energy you're bringing. If you show up as a drain, it just gives them permission to suck out any life that might have remained.

**3. Fake it 'til you make it.**

I've filled in some job applications recently that have absolutely crushed me (anyone else feel like it's just bot talking to bot?!). But you cannot take every knock personally- if you do, it will drag everyone down with you.

When you start doubting yourself, others will pick up on it and start to doubt you too. I'm not saying that you can or should fake knowledge- that's very different- but faking confidence can really help you re-find a lost groove.

**4. The power of the mind is real.**

I recently went to watch Derren Brown- y'know, the guy that used to make people think they were mad in the 00s. I was blown away by how many people were put to sleep, made to dance, or even made to think they were different people entirely.

My takeaway was that the mind is capable of many things- and if we decide to be genuinely present and open it for the benefit of others, it can be a real game changer. Our brains so often find themselves crying out for stimulation in the attention economy, we forget that whole-hearted focus on someone, or a problem, can be transformational. Whether you are looking for a promotion, or just reward from a campaign, you shouldn't wait until it happens- but force your mind to rally around that guiding light.

**5. It's not that bad.**

Whatever you're worried about this week, it isn't that bad. Whether it is writing to someone that feels too distant, starting a habit, forcing an issue that you know is stagnant, or maybe just going to a meeting that feels hard- I promise, it's not that bad.

Never worry for more than five minutes about something you won't think about in five years. Maybe it bombs, maybe it flies, and maybe you never think about it again- but I can almost guarantee no one will mention it at your retirement party.