Is overconfidence hurting your career?

Overconfidence can be a close cousin to arrogance, and both of them can block your ability to learn what impacts your career growth. While confidence is recognized as a wonderful trait in moving your career forward, it would seem that more of it would generate a faster career track. However, the key is developing a good sense of balance in knowing when to listen and when to push forward.

It’s true that confidence is the fuel that helps you take career risks such as implementing a new idea or going after your dream job. Most employers are attracted to candidates with a can-do attitude and a humble spirit. But a problem arises when confidence turns into overdrive and creates a barrier.

Overconfident people are usually described by colleagues as being rude, arrogant, brash, cocky, or having an elevated opinion, all of which cause most people to want to run from them. The paradox is that most overconfident people tend to act arrogant due to the lack of real confidence.

How do you know if overconfidence could be hurting your career?
Here are several clues that could indicate a need to step back and reflect: not being chosen for promotions, conflicts with your colleagues, always pointing out the problems among other people; and blaming others when mistakes happen.

80716172The hallmark of an overinflated sense of skills or abilities is usually based on seeing asking for help as a sign of weakness, which can lead to arrogance. The problem with overconfidence is the impact it has on your relationships at work and ultimately the barriers for future career opportunities.

Overconfidence is a form of self-sabotage that can be changed. You can start by recognizing the need to change your patterns that lead to alienating your colleagues.

Catch overconfidence at work by thinking through these suggestions:
• Admitting mistakes actually increases your genuineness and instead of being a weakness, it can draw people to you.
• Seek to understand others by listening rather than defending your need to be right.
• Share success with others by acknowledging their contributions.
• Ask more questions with a sincere desire to learn.
• Find a good mentor and ask for advice in areas where you have experienced setbacks.
• Building real confidence starts with being open-minded and responsive to feedback.

Overconfidence does not have to be a career barrier; instead, it can serve as a real avenue for growth.

What do you think is the difference between confidence and overconfidence at work?

Kim Thompson