A story is circulating in my part of the world about a lady who was going into a chain of Maverik convenience stores with her clip board and vest on who was doing quality checks on their snacks, drinks, and getting gas. This went on over a period of four months. She was quite efficient and pleasant to deal with. One day, she came in when another employee was there from Maverik Headquarters......and well, well, well. The Quality Control Inspector was NOT a Maverik employee. In addition to the snacks and drinks she had gotten each time, she had gotten $2400 worth of gas and not paid.
She was arrested and charged with theft. One of the arresting officers said, "She should be charged with Extreme Confidence. I did not know that was a crime!
Two Points to be Learned Here:
1. She dressed the part and people generally treat you like you appear. She had on the professional appearing work vest and the clip board. Fair or unfair...right or wrong that is a principle that continually demonstrates itself. First impressions are huge and generally are relied on until proven differently.
I used to speak for lots of state-wide Campus Minister gatherings. Often, the leader would say to me something like, "In one of your presentations, can you say something about dressing professionally when meeting with school administrators and pastors." Lots of College Ministers dress like the students they are around and consequently the first impression they give off to administrators and pastors that do not know them causes them not to be treated with the professional regard that they should be and deserve. One first year College Ministry Intern told me once that she was embarrassed by the way her Lead Campus Minister went into a meeting with top school officials. The Intern was embarrassed!! My simple rule is: Dress like others at the meeting will be dressed.
2. She acted confidently like she knew what she was doing. Sometimes, as Christian leaders are genuinely humble, they come across apologetically. It is NOT ARROGANT to come across confidently. There is a difference in arrogance and confidence. You are a professional who knows what you are doing. It is okay to believe that and definitely to act that way. As a result, others will believe that and trust what you say.
I wrote an article once on the difference in Emceeing a Meeting and Leading a meeting. An Emcee just announces what is next. A leader (acting confidently) makes sure what needs to happen happens.
It is alright to be confident that God can, has, does, and will use you.
You can check out "A College Minister's Tips for College Freshmen" here: Amazon.com/dp/B0GFLFNX98.