There’s an interesting anecdote narrated by the late Bhagwan Dada (Bhagwan Abhaji Palav), who is considered to be Hindi Cinema’s first dancing superstar.
During his struggle years, he decided to produce and direct a film based on a story conceived by him. He even decided to play the lead in the film and was sure that it would fetch him instant stardom. And he was particular about having one of the leading actresses of those times play the female lead opposite him. Needless to say, he was laughed at.
When he approached the actress, she found the prospect of her playing the female lead opposite him outrightly funny. She politely told him that she only works with established actors, and cannot risk playing the female lead opposite someone like him as it might have a negative impact on her image and career. To which he firmly quipped, “I have full faith in your capabilities. But I guess you yourself aren’t aware of your potential. You still feel that you cannot pull off a film with your own prowess and need established actors to do it for you. My decision is final…the film that I am planning will not be made without you playing the female lead.”
These words hit her hard…and she agreed. It proved to be one of her best and career-defining decisions.
During the signing up formalities, she casually asked him as to who would be giving music for the film. He replied that he has roped in his friend Chitalkar as the Music Director. She wasn’t happy about it, and said that here atleast it has to be someone who is established and renowned. She recommended C. Ramchandra’s name for the film’s music, to which he said, “OK…if you insist.” He smiled to himself.
Later in the evening he met Chitalkar, who sternly asked him, “I heard that you have removed me and roped in C. Ramchandra as Music Director. Is it true?” They looked into each other’s eyes in silence for a few seconds…and then both of them burst out laughing. Because C. Ramchandra was none other than his friend Chitalkar…the full name being Ramchandra Narhar Chitalkar.
The film was made…and it was a roaring success.
Dealing with self-doubt
In my PR journey over the past two decades, I have come across clients, business prospects and individuals who very often nurture doubts about their own capabilities. They are not aware of their potential. Let me explain with an example.
A client (a listed entity and part of a very large conglomerate) that was among the top 3 in its segment in the country once planned to do a press conference to make a big announcement. They had zeroed in on a date. The Corporate Communication Head called me and our conversation went somewhat like this…
Corporate Communication Head (CCH): Hey can you have your team do a quick check if there’s any other press event happening in the city on that day, so that we can freeze on the decided date or look at an alternate date in case something else is happening.
Me (in a strong tone): No…am not going to do anything like that.
CCH (startled): Why?
Me: Because we don’t need to do it.
CCH: What do you mean?
Me: You are the Amitabh Bachchan of your industry. You don’t need to fear at all. Others planning press events on that day should fear our press conference and change their dates…not we. Come whatever may, we are confident of pulling it off on the date you have decided.
That gave him confidence, which he also communicated to his bosses. They were impressed. And as expected, the press conference was a success in terms of planning, media attendance and coverage.
Last Word
Confidence is all about knowing what one (both businesses and individuals) is good at and the value one brings to the table, and confidently communicating the same to the relevant stakeholders. Being in business and keeping the brand name alive is an exciting and challenging journey that cannot be traversed with self-doubt. It requires a set of unique skills and qualities, self-confidence being the most important one. It is the very foundation on which great organisations are built.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
Be the first to comment on "Moving from Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence"