How To Know If You Are Competent

Written by Louise Azzopardi, Speaker, Mentor and Coach for Tradeswomen

Louise has worked as a Mechanic for 7 years, becoming a field service technician and representing Australia at the world skills competition for heavy vehicle mechanics. She decided to become the person she wished she had.

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So many people have the deep-seated question “Am I good enough?” and the short answer is yes, you are! But has just thinking ‘I am good enough” made that thought and feeling go away?

If yes, then power to you; if no, then welcome to the club! I like to break this down and get specific. For this, I am going to use two examples, one personal and one professional, from my own experiences—“Am I a good mechanic?” and “Am I a good sister? “

Now, we are going to do a skills assessment. We are going to look at what makes up a good (insert your thing here).

A good mechanic can –

Problem solve, service engines, rebuild engines, carry out small repairs, carry out large repairs, have basic knowledge of electrical systems, can repair basic electrical systems, service and repair gearboxes, etc.

Write these in a list, then next to them, write if you can or cannot do them. You can take this further and journal about each one and how you can do it. For the ones that you cannot do, create a plan on how you can learn to do them.

A good sister –

Checks in periodically, celebrates millstones, listens to challenges, helps create solutions, wants the best for the other, etc.

Write a list of whether you do or do not do these. As above, you can journal about how you do them or create a plan for starting to do them.

This allows you to gather factual evidence, any workplace ones you can complete with a leader or a mentor, but remember, you are enough as you are. This process allows you to look at your actions and regroup with the facts to see if you would like to make any changes or adjustments in your world. It allows you to own, embrace, and enjoy what you already do and know, feeling competent in your abilities.

Read more from Louise Azzopardi

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Louise Azzopardi, Speaker, Mentor and Coach for Tradeswomen

Louise has worked as a Mechanic for 7 years, becoming a field service technician and representing Australia at the world skills competition for heavy vehicle mechanics. She decided to become the person she wished she had. Louise is a life coach for Tradeswomen, coaching through anxiety and sexism to become the most confident person they can be. She speaks on issues that matter to the Tradeswomen community but not only the issues but the solutions as well!