Have you ever heard of “The Dunning–Kruger effect”? It is a hypothetical cognitive bias stating that people with low ability at a task overestimate their capability. In a nutshell, the Dunning-Kruger effect applies to all of us when it comes to things we aren’t particularly good at. We often teach young leaders to boost their confidence but rarely address how they can improve their competence. In changing this narrative there is a need to bridge the gap of the “Two C’s.” Hence, if you want to live a value-adding life, you must be committed to enhancing the level of the “Two C’s.” i.e. developing your competence and confidence levels.
” Competence is a great creator of confidence”- Mary Jo Putney
Competence is the set of demonstrable characteristics and skills that enable and improve the efficiency or performance of a job. It is the ability to do something successfully or efficiently. On the other hand, confidence comes from a Latin word ‘fidere’ which means “to trust”, having self-confidence is having trust in one’s self. It is the feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something. However, there needs to be a balance of the “Two C’s” in every individual’s life.
The ability to master these “Two C’s” allows you to evolve into a person that everyone wants on their team and can depend upon. Whilst confidence can get you a job in an organisation, it definitely can’t take you far because your lack of competence will eventually become apparent if you continuously fail to produce results. Always remember, competence without confidence, makes people doubt your ability to complete any given task – believe me, that’s not a place you want to be.
So, instead of focusing on gaining expertise on one of the “Two C’s,” strive for balancing both. Mastering the “Two C’s” in your life will put you on an upward trajectory giving you access to limitless opportunities.
Here are 3 Proven Tips That’ll Help You Develop Competence and Confidence:
1. Ask for Feedback on Your Performance
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” – Ken Blanchard
Always ask for feedback! When you carry out tasks ensure that you seek feedback from people that would be brutally honest with you. After the feedback, be prepared to make the necessary changes if need be. It might feel uncomfortable, but it will ultimately build your competence and confidence level.
The reality is you can’t fix something that you don’t know is broken! Honest feedback can and will help you to improve your performance, increase your level of competence and eventually boost your confidence level.
2. Read
“The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them…” – Mark Twain
You need to read, study and research. Reading is a basic building block of learning while the reading culture is the concept of cultivating a progressive reading mindset. Reading builds knowledge which enhances the “Two C’s”. Reading hones the mind, builds capacity and prepares an individual for distinction in life.
Reading is a lifelong activity and the reality is; the more competent you are, the more confident you become!
3. Teach What You Learn
“In learning you will teach and in teaching you will learn.” ― Phil Collins
When you teach something, you get to learn it twice. It reasserts what you have learnt and makes you more competent and confident. Teaching what you’re learning verifies that you understand what you’re sharing. It also provides opportunities to improve your “Two C’s” in the varied tasks and skills that you wish to improve in others.
Having the confidence may get you instant attention but competence to do the job will tell people you are capable. Ultimately, becoming both competent and confident makes you dependable and keeps you at the top of your game.
Your confidence kills your fears when they appear. Your competence makes them not to appear at all. Be bold; do it.” ― Israelmore Ayivo
Remember, You Have Only One Life to Live, MAKE IT COUNT!