In the workplace, confidence is an incredibly valuable commodity that can make the crucial difference between an idea being accepted or ignored. It can even determine whether or not you are praised and promoted or passed over time after time. Workplace confidence is, however, not something we are all lucky enough to be born with. For some of us, it’s something that needs to be nurtured and that can be a complicated task.

That’s why we have decided to focus on a few quite simple but effective ways you can boost your confidence at work and gain the respect and the career progress you desire.

Go above and beyond – Ask more questions, show that you’re curious and eager to learn and approach every fresh task like it’s of paramount importance. If you can consistently push yourself to go further thank your colleagues then you’ll have no choice but to feel better about yourself at work. Pick up as many new skills as you can, learn more about your company and your industry and be better.

Appearance – Depending on your job, you might be restricted by what you are allowed to wear but that doesn’t mean you can’t work wonders within those confines! If you can take genuine pride in your appearance then you are that much more likely to radiate self-confidence so take some time to build your work wardrobe and experiment with different outfits and combinations until you find that perfect blend of poise and professionalism.

Smiling is a great way to ensure you’re making a decent impression at work – after all communication is not just what you say. If your teeth need a little repair and you’ve money spare, dental veneers may be an option. Veneers cost less than other dental options typically and could have an immediate impact on your workplace confidence.

Pride in your appearance doesn’t just mean what clothes you wear, however. It could simply be organizing your desk and keeping your workplace area tidy, or using a white-board to create a to-do list so you can plan ahead better. You’ll be surprised to see how your self-confidence can be improved by simply having a tidy desk!

Celebrate your successes – Don’t be shy about your success – flaunt it. The average workplace is more competitive now than ever before and in such environments, it always pays to make people aware of your achievements. Of course, you don’t want to go overboard, but the thin line between confidence and arrogance is one you might need to tread every once in a while.

Stay positive – Yes, it’s a little cheesy, but the more positive and assertive you are, the more good things are likely to happen to and for you. If you appear positive and focused then more people are going to approach you and more people are going to feel confident relying on you. A positive person can be truly magnetic and if you can pair this positivity with an assertive drive (step forward more and don’t be afraid to get shot down) then you could be well on your way to your next career milestone!