The Idea: “Overconfidence precedes carelessness.” ― Toba Beta
According to recent research by Zenger/Folkman, a leadership development consultancy, people who understate their personal skills are more effective leaders than those who overstate them. When one overstates one’s skills, acts in a superior way, or denies flaws, others lose confidence in him or her very quickly. In other words, creating a false image of perfection is both exhausting and not believable.
The most effective leaders don’t overrate themselves- they don’t lie about their abilities; amazingly, the research shows that they often underrate themselves. And they earn points from their peers and their team for doing so. Whether it be humility, aspiration or ignorance, the correlation is there, and there’s something to be learned from it.
Being hyper confident, full of answers, and all knowing simply doesn’t work. No one likes a flawless, unblemished leader. We trust others who are not afraid to share their scars, their insecurities, and even their failings. Becoming self-aware, and demonstrating humility are catalysts for pulling the best out of others.
The study by Zenger/Folkman showed that the more we understate our accomplishments, the more others perceive us as leaders. Furthermore, managers who underestimate their personal skills create a more engaging and inspiring team atmosphere.
The research does not discourage confidence; it discourages over-confidence. The research reminds us that leaders who are too confident create auras that hinder their own personal development. In contrast, the study shows that “humility” is a powerful attribute of winning leaders.
People who are able to be ambitious without being over-confident are the best. It is that simple!
Here is how to stay rooted in humility and develop your own personal awareness. Once per month, ask the strongest people in your network to honestly share how you positively and negatively affect others.
- Practice listening, and being vulnerable to opinions different than your own.
- Uncover how you may be alienating or shutting out others without knowing it.
- Discover when you talk too much, interrupt others, and don’t listen enough.
- All opinions matter. If you disagree with others, that’s even more reason to take the time to discover how they are seeing you.
Learn to love different, opposing, and dissenting voices, even if it stings a bit. Self-awareness can occur only when you allow yourself to stand in the line of fire.
