I’m awesome and I know it?
One thing that is often considered to be better than confidence is competence. While confidence is a belief in oneself and one’s abilities, competence is the actual possession of the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a particular domain. They’re two very different things!
Confidence can be helpful in certain situations, but it can also be misplaced or overestimated. Almost every way we have of measuring confidence involves self report questioning, the answers to which are subjective and at the total whim of whatever side of the bed you got out of this morning. In contrast, competence is based on objective measures of skill and knowledge, and should therefore be a more reliable predictor of success in most fields.
Unfortunately, it’s not a predictor of success. We’re going to stay on Confidence and Competence, but if you fancy getting sucked into that particular rabbit hole we suggest reading Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic’s article in the Harvard Business Review.
At Totem we will always argue that competence is an important part of success because that’s the world in which we want to live. But it’s important to note that competence and confidence are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can be mutually reinforcing: as one’s competence grows, so too can one’s confidence.
Generally speaking, both competence and confidence can be valuable qualities in different situations.
If you’re looking to accomplish a specific task or goal, then working with competent people who have the necessary skills and knowledge to get the job done would likely be your top priority. On the other hand, if you’re looking to inspire or motivate a group of people, then working with confident people who have a positive outlook and can rally others around a common goal may be more important.
Ideally, you would want to work with people who possess both competence and confidence but we believe there is another element that needs to be considered. And thankfully it begins with a “C”, so let’s trade mark it!
Confidence, Competence & Clarity
From where does confidence or competence flow? We’d argue clarity. Our experience has taught us that these three factors are interconnected and can reinforce one other. But what does Clarity in this context mean? Clarity refers to having a clear understanding, vision, or direction. When you have a clear understanding of what you need to do (Clarity) and how to do it (Competence), your Confidence in your ability to succeed is likely to be higher. When you lack clarity, regardless of your competence you’ll feel uncertain or anxious about what to do next. Which seems some what obvious?
The link between confidence, competence, and clarity is often a reciprocal one and a virtuous circle. Increased competence can lead to greater confidence, as individuals gain more knowledge and skills in a particular area. Clarity can also enhance confidence by providing a clear roadmap and reducing uncertainty. Likewise, confidence can positively impact competence and clarity by motivating individuals to take action, learn, and seek opportunities for growth.
So how do you develop clarity? There are a few ways, the most obvious being to ask the question “what am I supposed to be doing?!” but what if there is no-one to ask that question of? What if this question of Clarity is more personally focussed on your own confidence and competence?
Clarity in this context refers to having a clear understanding of your thoughts, emotions, values, and goals. It involves gaining insight into yourself, your motivations, and your aspirations. Here are some strategies that can help you cultivate personal clarity:
Self-reflection: Take time for self-reflection on a regular basis. Engage in activities like journaling, meditation, or introspection to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Reflect on your values, strengths, weaknesses, and areas of personal growth. This process can help you gain deeper insights into yourself and increase clarity.
Seek feedback: Actively seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or professionals. Feedback can provide valuable perspectives and insights that may help you see yourself more clearly. Consider constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.
Identify and challenge assumptions: Examine the beliefs, assumptions, and narratives you hold about yourself and the world around you. Question their validity and challenge any negative or limiting beliefs that may cloud your clarity. This process can help you gain a more accurate and realistic understanding of yourself.
Set clear goals: Establish clear and meaningful goals for yourself in different areas of life, such as career, relationships, personal development, or health. Having well-defined objectives can bring focus and clarity to your actions and decisions.
Practice mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices to cultivate present-moment awareness. Mindfulness helps you observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing you to gain clarity on your mental and emotional states. This increased awareness can lead to insights and a better understanding of yourself.
Seek professional support: If you’re struggling with gaining psychological clarity, consider seeking support from a therapist, counselor, or coach. These professionals can provide guidance, ask thought-provoking questions, and offer strategies tailored to your specific needs.
Remember, cultivating your own clarity is a continuous process. It takes time, patience, and self-exploration. Embrace the journey of self-discovery, and be open to new insights and perspectives along the way.
