In school, I was never the smartest person in the class; I didn’t have the best grade and I was never the first to finish a test. In sports, I was never the fastest nor the strongest, but I consider myself to be quite successful (and fortunate to have been given such great opportunities to succeed). I don’t believe that my success was developed overnight or by happenstance, or by luck, but it has been cultivated through a series of challenges that have been overcome, and a willingness to take on challenges despite the fear of failure or pain (plus positive support from mentors, family, friends). These successes have developed into a confidence, a belief that I will succeed, no matter the challenge. This doesn’t mean that I have not, or will not fail.
When I was studying for my Master’s Degree in UCSD, I elected to take the accelerated coursework culminating in a final, comprehensive exam in front of my advisor and several professors. When it came time to take my exam, I stood up in front of the panel and literally froze. I was completely unable to answer the simplest problem. I failed. Fortunately, I was given the chance to retake the exam and with a lot of practice in front of a whiteboard and practice speaking through a problem out loud, I passed my exam and received my MS in Mechanical Engineering.
When developing a winning team, I believe it is incredibly important to develop this sense of confidence, this belief that we can and will succeed. It is the leader’s job to create this environment. Break down a project into a series of tasks that are achievable, when problems arise take them head-on, honestly and collaboratively. Create an environment where your team trust in the plan and the system in a way that they believe they will win.