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This seems like it should be true, but actually I can think of dozens of counterexamples just off the top of my head. There are in fact many fields of human en
by abstractbill 13y ago
This seems like it should be true, but actually I can think of dozens of counterexamples just off the top of my head. There are in fact many fields of human endeavor where, if you're sufficiently good at your core competency, nobody cares if you project energy, excitement, and confidence.
- smokeyj 13y ago> There are in fact many fields of human endeavor where, if you're sufficiently good at your core competency, nobody cares if you project energy, excitement, and confidence. Probably because they're the bottum rung working for someone who is energetic, excited and confident. Essentially, if you don't need to lead anyone, you can have these traits. Or you work for the government.
- kyro 13y agoNot true. Doctors come to mind.
- hluska 13y agoEver get a diagnosis from a doctor who doesn't exude confidence when she gives it? It is the most unnerving experience I've ever had (in a hospital)...
- ahoyhere 13y agoEver get told that you're "just un-fit" when merely standing up causes you to nearly pass out, by a doctor who exudes confidence? Better to lack confidence than have too much.
- hluska 13y agoGreat point! I hope you're okay - that sounds like a really ugly thing to go through...
- ahoyhere 13y agoThanks for asking. I'm ok. Turns out I developed a medical issue that caused my body to dump salt, one of the causes of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) which is a known disorder. Electrolyte pills solved it (at least, the symptoms). I discovered this by accident, when I had another reason to take electrolytes and then suddenly I could stand up again. Stupid doctors.
- deleted 13y ago[deleted]
- jonnathanson 13y agoThe top doctors in any given field are some of the cockiest motherfuckers on planet Earth. There's no lack of confidence in that field. None. And think about it: at the top of that profession (especially surgical specialties), you're basically selling to the uberrich. The field is highly competitive. It's a market predicated on referrals, networks, and especially social proof. Your skill is critical, but skill is a table stake. Your average, run-of-the-mill, family doctor is a different story. But "baller ass" doctors need to project, well, ballin' assness.
- ahoyhere 13y agoTop by what standard? If it's not objective, they're not top. The doctor who rescued MY life from a disabling illness is humble, because people who are cocky have something to lose if they admit they don't know the answers.
- jonnathanson 13y ago"Top by what standard?" I am specifically talking about top by money earned per year. Not top in terms of best outcomes, or most effective.
- abstractbill 13y agoConfidence is the only really defensible trait of the three. Lawyers, surgeons, accountants, and so on probably need to project at least that one, but nobody cares if those people seem energetic or excited. Even the ability to project confidence isn't a universal requirement though. Nobody gives a rat's ass what an athlete in a solo sport projects.
- skmurphy 13y agoCompetency can compensate for a demeanor that is listless, dull, and uncertain but if your profession requires direct engagement with customers you will likely be at a disadvantage. What are the counterexamples you developed? Given a choice between someone who projects energy, enthusiasm, and confidence and someone who doesn't the latter person will normally have to demonstrate considerably more competence. In particular low energy and lack of confidence in an expert undercut a perception of competence.
- jsolson 13y agoIncluding, in my estimation, most of software engineering.