'Confidence Can Be Learned': Telugu Woman's US Experience

A Telugu woman working in the United States has shared how her American colleagues changed the way she looks at confidence in the workplace. Harini, who said she is the only Indian in her office, explained that she initially believed her American colleagues knew something she did not. Over time, however, she realised that the real difference was often their willingness to speak up even before they had all the answers. In a video shared on Instagram, Harini said that while growing up in India, she was taught to think twice before speaking and to express an opinion only when she was completely sure. She said this mindset helped her in school, but in the workplace, it sometimes held her back. According to Harini, an idea never gets a chance to be considered if it is never shared. She clarified that this does not mean people should pretend to know everything. Instead, she believes they should not wait until they are 100% certain before expressing a view. She observed that while one person is waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect words, someone else may already move the discussion forward. Reflecting on her own experience, Harini said she has now realised that self-confidence is a skill. She once believed confidence was something people were naturally born with. But after working in the US, she came to understand that it can also be learned, practised and developed over time. Her thoughts struck a chord with many social media users. Several people said they could relate to being raised to stay quiet until they were completely sure about something, while others agreed with her key takeaway — that confidence is a skill that can be built.

 

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