HOW TO DISCERN BETWEEN ARROGANCE & CONFIDENT PEACOCKS.

Assumptions are tricky business. In seconds, we can label someone as cocky, when maybe there’s more to them. Maybe they’re just confident, like a Peacock.

There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. First impressions aren’t always right. So, what’s the difference and why does it matter? Well, in a team setting, it’s a big deal. Who wants to listen to ‘know it all’ John? But what if John is really just a self-assured guy that comes across as into himself?

Let’s look at the Peacock’s traits (take the Tick bird test if you don’t know what we mean).

Style: Confident, warm and friendly
Face: Expressive and animated
Voice: Strong and colourful
Body Language: Lots of dramatic and sweeping gestures

Clothes: Flamboyant, colourful, fashionable, designer labels, wears ‘look at me’ jewellery
Life View: ‘Everything’s coming up roses’
Attitude: Easy going. They seem to have all the time in the world and can talk the leg off of a chair

Sayings: ‘Today is the first day of the rest of your life.’

This is where resources come in to help you, like Tick’s personality profiling tools. It reduces false perceptions and allows you to make informed decisions, based on science.

A confident personality vs. an arrogant facade?

Confident people don’t usually seek validation. Self-aware, but open to being ‘proven wrong’, they know their sense of worth. Yes, intrinsically they desire to be the centre of attention, motivated by popularity and recognition… but it’s not an act.

Arrogant people, though, believe (or at least come across like this) that they’re better than others. They insist on correcting people and believe their way is the only way. It’s black and white – without room for any grey, give and take, area. Their ‘confidence’ is driven by external motivators. Arrogant people can look down on others. It’s usually a result of a defence mechanism used by an insecure mind.

As leaders, employees, and in our personal relationships, it’s important to understand who we’re engaging with, beyond verbal cues. Think of Tick as a resource to help uncover the ‘second language’ to help read people better.

Some personalities, like a Dove, might not cope well in close contact with an arrogant person. Yet, they might be attracted to the in-your-face, ‘I know what I want’ confident person (the Eagle).

Use this as a point of reflection. How are you coming across? When you’re presenting a pitch, applying for a new job or talking in class, are you being perceived as confident or arrogant?

Do you have an ego-centric boss, co-worker or professor? And, now you know the difference between confident and arrogant, answer this question: Are they really cocky, or just confident?

Keep these things in mind to stay on the confident side:

• Don’t offend others. Raise people up. Help them succeed.
• Remember, it’s a level playing field. We’re all equal.
• Listen, listen, listen. Oh, and eye contact!
• Stop being ‘perfect’. Be aware of your weaknesses, just as much as your strengths.
• Show vulnerability & admit to past wrong doings.
• Let your accomplishments speak for you.

True confidence is rooted in empathy, positivity, and optimism. You know it when you see it. Tick’s personality profiling tools helps you truly understand people.