What does self-efficacy mean anyway?

Self-efficacy is the ability of a person to achieve a desired goal with his or her own abilities. Especially in our fast-paced and often unpredictable working world, it is of particular importance for teams to promote the self-efficacy of individual team members. In this way, the foundation for an agile mindset is laid and long-term success is ensured.

Get our soft.fact expert tips on how to strengthen your self-efficacy here:

1) Become aware of what is already working

It is important to become aware of your own skills and competencies. Accordingly, it is helpful to set weekly meetings to celebrate your small and big successes. Appreciation showers, where you show each other your appreciation, also contribute here to raising awareness of the skills you already have.

2) Create opportunities for new learning as a team

An important aspect of self-efficacy is not only becoming aware of existing skills that are essential to your success. As a team, also make sure to keep learning and expanding your knowledge, whether through training programs, workshops, or targeted on-the-job experiences. This will give you the tools you need to take on new challenges.

3) Set clear goals 

Another important factor in building self-efficacy is having a clear idea of what success looks like for you. So make sure you know what your goals are and what you need to do to achieve them. This will give you a sense of clarity and help give you direction for dealing with new situations.

4) Encourage each other

People with a growth mindset believe that their skills can be developed through learning. By regularly appreciating each other for your hard and soft skills as well as personal soft facts, not only will your own willingness to grow be fostered, but also being accepted will lead to greater self-efficacy.

As a team, make sure that you support each other. Psychological security is always essential for this. Guidance, advice, the provision of resources and encouraging words can help here. After all, if you know in your team that you have the support of your colleagues and leaders, you will be more likely to believe in your own abilities.