Activist and author Gloria Steinem once said, “Self-esteem isn’t everything; it’s just that there’s nothing without it.”
Steinem’s 1992 book The Revolution from Within was a splash of cold water for many who had focused almost solely on fighting the external forces of inequality: class, racism, sexism, capitalism and patriarchy. Steinem points out, even if things were made equal, self-confidence is required to embrace opportunity.
After interviewing business owners who hire employees through Squamish Helping Hands Society, Steinem’s words came back to me. Both Dave Ransier from Target Homes and Renee McNeil from The Pie Company mentioned improving the confidence of people who previously struggled with issues such as addiction, abuse or homelessness as being a major challenge of taking on the employees, not the person’s work ethic, skill or teamwork.
Lack of confidence keeps employees who would otherwise be assets to local companies and our community on the sidelines. That is a loss not only for the individuals and companies currently facing labour shortages, but for families and friends who don’t get the most from their loved ones.
Self-confidence does not mean arrogance or bravado, though those characteristics are often misinterpreted as such – think of the blustering of a Donald Trump, versus the quiet certainty despite hardship of former Manitoba MLA and First Nations Chief Elijah Harper as he stood alone raising his eagle feather in opposition to the Meech Lake Accord in June of 1990.
Confidence means feeling comfortable owning the space we take up in the world. It means seeing inevitable failures and missteps as part of life, not as life defining so that when new opportunities arise they can be grasped.
Steinem points out if a positive self-image isn’t set in childhood, negative self-talk can continue for a lifetime, despite external support. So how do we improve self-confidence? I certainly don’t profess to have the answers, though fostering resilience in childhood seems key as does teaching children not that they are perfect, or entitled, but that they are capable regardless of societal messages to the contrary. As a community we can help build confidence in others by following the lead of the local businesses mentioned and give individuals a chance who may not believe they deserve it. The results may be a pleasant surprise to all involved.
