CONFIDENCE VS. ARROGANCE: IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?

Confident or cocky? Self-aware or sure of yourself? There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Often, the two get confused. First impressions aren’t always true. 

Someone can come across as arrogant initially, but the more time you spend with them, you realise they’re just confident. It can be reversed, too. So, what’s the difference and why does it matter? 

Here’s how we divide the two: 

Confident people feels complete. They voice their opinions, without looking for validation or persuasion. Self-aware, but open to being ‘proven wrong’, confident people know their sense of worth. 

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 sources. Arrogant people look down on others. It’s usually a result of a defence mechanism used by an insecure mind. 

As leaders, employees, and even in our personal relationships, it’s important to differentiate between the two – and avoid conflict and miscommunications. To know when someone is being arrogant or if they’re simply just a confident person. 

How do you feel around them? Do they bring you down or energise you? Listen to this – because while someone can prove you wrong, the way you respond around them won’t. 

This is where Tick’s four, easy-to-understand, bird types are useful. 

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). 

Okay so, think about yourself. 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 a cocky 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. 

Confidence comes from empathy, positivity and optimism. You know it when you see it. 

To find out which Tick bird type you are, complete the red form (to the right). Better yet, why not get your whole team to do the personality profiles.