Ah, the grand stage of professionalism, where uncertainty often sneaks in for a cameo. Fear not, for here are some tips for projecting competence with a sprinkle of whimsy, even when you're not entirely sure of yourself:

1. Confident Body Language

Strike a pose! Channel your inner model and stand tall, maintain eye contact, and speak with flair. Remember, non-verbal cues can be your secret weapon in the grand performance of competence.

2. Master the Basics

Consider this your backstage pass to success. Get cosy with the fundamentals of your role and tasks – it's like having a trusty script to guide you through the show.

3. Ask Thoughtful Questions

Think of uncertainty as the plot twist in your professional drama. Embrace it by asking questions that make others sit up and take notice. It's like adding a dash of intrigue to your storyline.

4. Observe and Learn

Become the Sherlock Holmes of your office. Observe the seasoned detectives (colleagues) and adapt their quirky investigation techniques to suit your own professional style.

5. Fake it Till You Make it (Sensibly)

Picture yourself as the superhero of competence. Don your invisible cape of confidence, but remember, even superheroes have their endearing quirks. Find that sweet spot between bravado and authenticity.

6. Take Ownership

Mistakes are just plot twists in the grand narrative of your career. Embrace them, claim them, and turn them into valuable lessons. It's like being the scriptwriter of your own success story.

7. Seek Feedback

Consider feedback as the standing ovation after your performance. Regularly seek it from your colleagues and supervisors. Their applause – or constructive criticism – will guide your journey to stardom.

8. Stay Organised

Imagine your workspace as your dressing room – keep it tidy, and you'll feel ready to take on the world. A well-organised backstage sets the scene for a seamless performance.

9. Continuous Learning

Think of professional development as upgrading your character in a video game. Stay ahead of the curve, attend workshops, and collect certifications like power-ups to boost your career avatar.

10. Practice Self-Compassion

In the grand theatre of professionalism, nobody is a flawless actor. Be kind to yourself, laugh off the bloopers, and embrace the learning process. It's the secret sauce for a blockbuster performance. Projecting competence is not about perfect scripts but about a light-hearted journey filled with resilience, determination, and a willingness to learn.

At the end of the day it's important to remember, everyone starts somewhere. 

You got this!