By Nur Nabilahuda Humaira’ bt Abdul Malik In fast-paced, high-pressure work environments, we’re often told to “speak up,” “be more confident,” or “take charge.” But what if you don’t naturally gravitate toward the spotlight? What if your strength lies not in being loud, but in being steady?
That’s where self assurance comes in.
What Is Self Assurance, Really?
Self assurance isn’t arrogance. It’s not about thinking you’re always right. It’s about having a quiet, internal certainty that you can handle what comes your way, even if you don’t have all the answers right now.
It shows up when:
- You say no to tasks that aren’t aligned with your role or capacity, and you say it professionally.
- You own your mistakes, without spiralling into self-blame.
- You stay calm in meetings, even when everyone else is panicking.
- You give constructive feedback, without sugarcoating or fear of backlash.
Why Self Assurance Matters at Work
Whether you’re in sales, admin, leadership, or still figuring things out, self assurance helps you:
- Make decisions faster without overthinking or needing constant approval.
- Stand your ground without being defensive.
- Build trust, colleagues and clients can sense when you’re grounded.
- Navigate office politics, rejections, or difficult feedback without losing your sense of worth.
In short, self assurance reduces the emotional “noise” so you can focus on what matters: doing good work.
How to Build Self-Assurance (Even If You’re Still Figuring Things Out)
This isn’t something that happens overnight, especially if you’re used to second-guessing yourself. But it can be developed over time.
Here are a few ways:
1. Know What You Bring to the Table
Write down your strengths, not just what you are good at but what people often rely on you for. Maybe you are great at calming tense situations, breaking down complex tasks, or simply giving others the space they need to speak. Understanding your value means seeing yourself beyond your job title and recognizing the unique contributions you bring every day.
2. Detach from Needing Constant Validation
People who are self-assured don’t dislike praise, but they don’t rely on it either. It’s important to learn how to recognize and validate your own efforts. When you complete a task well, it’s still a success even if no one notices or gives you praise. Building this mindset helps you stay confident and motivated without depending on others’ approval all the time.
3. Be Comfortable Saying “I Don’t Know”
There is real strength in being honest. If you don’t know something, simply say so and then take the initiative to find the answer. Admitting when you don’t have all the information shows confidence and a willingness to learn. This kind of honesty is actually a key leadership quality that helps build trust and respect.
4. Set Boundaries Without Guilt
If you’re always the one picking up the slack or replying to messages at 11 PM, ask yourself if you are doing this out of professionalism or fear. Self assurance gives you the courage to set limits respectfully and be comfortable saying no when you need to. When you say no to something that does not fit your capacity or values, you are actually being more professional. Learning to say no confidently is one of the most powerful ways to build self-assurance at work.
5. Reflect Before Reacting
When you get a passive-aggressive email or a last-minute task lands on your desk, take a moment to pause. People with self-assurance don’t let others control their mood or energy. Instead of reacting right away, breathe and think through your response carefully. This helps you stay calm and handle situations with confidence rather than stress.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Be the Loudest
The modern workplace still rewards performative confidence sometimes, but things are shifting. More leaders and teams are starting to recognise that the calmest person in the room often makes the clearest decisions.
So if you’re not loud, not flashy, and not chasing attention, that’s okay. You don’t need to become someone else. You just need to trust that who you are is already enough to move forward.
That’s self assurance.
