When Your Team Starts to Doubt Themselves…
The hardest part of business development isn’t building relationships.
It’s what comes next.
At the beginning, your team is full of energy. Confidence is high…
But as they gain experience, something interesting happens. They start to see what great really looks like. They notice the difference between good and exceptional.
And that’s when things get tough.
Their effort is real. Their progress is real.
But their results might not show it yet.
This is when self-doubt sneaks in.
And as a leader, this is when your coaching matters most.
Because in these moments, your team isn’t asking for results.
They’re asking: Am I doing this right?
Normalize the Dip
When confidence drops, people often think something’s wrong.
But it’s usually the opposite. It’s a sign they’re growing.
Every professional, no matter how experienced, goes through seasons where things feel harder before they feel easier. That’s part of the process.
Your role is to help them see it that way.
To remind them that feeling stretched doesn’t mean failure.
It means they’re building real capability.
Make Progress Visible
When growth feels slow, small wins matter more than ever.
Help your team focus on what’s working, even if it’s early progress.
Maybe someone reached out to a potential client they’ve been hesitant to contact.
Maybe they had a great conversation that led to a new introduction.
Maybe they earned a “next step” instead of a full “yes.”
Those small signs of movement are what build momentum and confidence.
Don’t let them pass unnoticed.
Call them out. Celebrate them.
They’re proof that progress is happening, even when it’s hard to see.
Lead with Vulnerability and Consistency
Your team doesn’t need a perfect leader… they need a real one.
Share your own stories of learning and struggle. Talk about a time when you were unsure, and what helped you move forward.
That kind of honesty builds connection. It reminds people that doubt isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a normal step toward mastery.
Then, match your vulnerability with consistency.
Check in regularly.
Be predictable.
Show up every week with encouragement and clarity.
When people know you’ll be there, they’ll keep pushing even when things get hard.
Celebrate and Coach in Small Steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break them down into simple, repeatable actions.
Ask questions like:
→ “What’s one outreach you can send today?”
→ “Who’s one person you’d like to reconnect with this week?”
→ “What’s one follow-up that could move a relationship forward?”
Each small step creates momentum.
Each piece of feedback builds belief.
Over time, those small efforts compound into real growth.
Growth isn’t a straight line. It’s a process of learning, adjusting, and staying in motion long enough to see the payoff.
Your role as a leader?
Make sure your team sees that progress, especially when they can’t yet see it themselves.
That’s where great coaching happens.
Mo
P.S. If you want help guiding your team through these dips in confidence, GrowBIG AI can help.
Use it to plan next steps, practice coaching questions, and spot the small wins that build long-term growth.
Best part? It’s free.
Mo