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I find competency does not correlate well with level of confidence. Therefore, being confident does not mean incompetence. IMHO, confidence is a state of mind,

I find competency does not correlate well with level of confidence. Therefore, being confident does not mean incompetence. IMHO, confidence is a state of mind, and competence is a state of being. A lot of people get them mixed up. I know really competent people always think they are inadequate therefore don't even try to ask for the promotion they well deserve, then realize some incompetent guy bloated himself/herself into that position and quit afterwards. It's a shame really.

Florin_Andrei 13y ago
Good point. Isn't the DK effect something that should be expected, given how the human mind works? To keep plowing ahead despite adversity, you need to have some trust in your abilities. It seems as if erring slightly in favor of over-estimating yourself might be beneficial for motivation - as long as the error remains small.
jckt 13y ago
Assuming the un-promoted person is pretty good at judging people's expertise as well, as per the DK study. In your experience, do you think incompetents' promotions tend to increase or decrease the confidence of the competents'?
- dferlemann 13y ago
  It depends on the person. Some after that worked hard not only on technical expertise but also on self-esteem. Some were indignant and convinced themselves they don't want that job anyway, all people on that level are incompetent managers. Some people focus a lot more to be good at the job/skill, incompetent ones focus more on promoting him or herself. Result is quite obvious in short-run. Being competent on a skill or certain job does not really correlate well with being competent on knowing thyself, either. I guess a lot of people are trying to find out what they really want, thus during that pursue become more competent. Incompetent people know very well they want, that promotion, and willing to cheat in order to get it. People both competent in skills and self knowledge tend to become more confident. That's the kind of confidence both solid and humbling. Not some empty bubble can't carry any weight that can only exist in big company environment.

Florin_Andrei 13y ago

Good point. Isn't the DK effect something that should be expected, given how the human mind works? To keep plowing ahead despite adversity, you need to have some trust in your abilities. It seems as if erring slightly in favor of over-estimating yourself might be beneficial for motivation - as long as the error remains small.

jckt 13y ago

Assuming the un-promoted person is pretty good at judging people's expertise as well, as per the DK study. In your experience, do you think incompetents' promotions tend to increase or decrease the confidence of the competents'?

dferlemann 13y ago
It depends on the person. Some after that worked hard not only on technical expertise but also on self-esteem. Some were indignant and convinced themselves they don't want that job anyway, all people on that level are incompetent managers. Some people focus a lot more to be good at the job/skill, incompetent ones focus more on promoting him or herself. Result is quite obvious in short-run. Being competent on a skill or certain job does not really correlate well with being competent on knowing thyself, either. I guess a lot of people are trying to find out what they really want, thus during that pursue become more competent. Incompetent people know very well they want, that promotion, and willing to cheat in order to get it. People both competent in skills and self knowledge tend to become more confident. That's the kind of confidence both solid and humbling. Not some empty bubble can't carry any weight that can only exist in big company environment.