In a world filled with digital buzzwords—automation, coding, machine learning, data science—it is easy to feel like you are falling behind if you do not have a tech degree or an IT job title.
But here is the truth: it is not always about what you know—it is about how willing you are to try.
That is the difference between tech skills and tech confidence. And in this 2022, tech confidence is often what opens the door.
What Is Tech Confidence?
Tech confidence means:
- Feeling comfortable trying new tools
- Not panicking when software updates or things change
- Believing you can figure things out—even if you are not a “tech person”
It is not about knowing how to code. It is about knowing you can learn what you need, when you need it.
Meet Two People
Ada has strong tech confidence. She is a school secretary. She is not trained in IT, but when her team needed to use a new timetable app, she watched three YouTube videos and figured it out. Now everyone asks her for help—even the manager.
James has strong tech skills. He studied computer engineering years ago but stopped learning after university. He avoids new tools and insists on using the same systems—even when they are outdated.
Who is thriving in today’s workplace?
Confidence grows skills. But skills without confidence get rusty.
What Employers Really Want
Companies are not just hiring based on who knows the most tools. They are looking for people who are:
- Open to learning
- Willing to experiment
- Comfortable using digital tools to solve problems
You might not know how to use Microsoft Power BI yet. That is fine. But if you are confident enough to Google how it works, watch a demo, or ask someone to teach you, then you are already a step ahead.
Tech Is Not Static—You Should Not Be Either
Technology changes constantly. What is popular today might be replaced in five years. So instead of trying to “master everything,” aim to be:
- Adaptable
- Curious
- Resourceful
If you learned how to use WhatsApp, email, or even Instagram—you already have tech learning ability. The same mindset applies to work tools like Google Sheets, Zoom, Trello, or Canva.
Build Your Tech Confidence in 3 Simple Steps
1. Start With What You Already Use
Are you using Excel? Try sorting columns. On WhatsApp Business? Explore the “Quick Replies” setting. Using Zoom? Try hosting your next meeting.
2. Practice in Low-Stakes Environments
Open a new tool and just explore—click buttons, create drafts, make mistakes. No pressure. No judgment.
3. Ask for Help Without Shame
Tech confidence is not about knowing everything. It is about asking the right questions and being open to help.
A Confidence Shift in Action
Blessing works in customer service. She had never used data tools before but was encouraged to summarise customer feedback for the monthly review.
She opened Excel, typed in the comments, counted the repeating themes, and used simple formatting to highlight trends.
Her manager was impressed.
She did not use formulas. She used confidence. Now she is learning to visualise the same feedback in charts.
That is growth.
It Starts with One Step
Many people say:
“I am not good with tech.”
“I am too old to learn this.”
“It is not my thing.”
But most of the time, what they really mean is:
“I am afraid to look foolish if I do not get it right the first time.”
You do not need to be perfect. You just need to be willing.
Because in this year and beyond, the people making progress are not the ones who knew it all from day one. They are the ones who kept asking, “What if I just try?”
And that could be you.
Writer’s bio
Chukwujekwu Joseph Ezema writes about data, education, and digital growth. He believes simple tools and clear thinking can transform how people work and learn
