The Illusion of Competence - Why Understanding Your Capabilities Matters
Sivakumar Palaniappan, CSP
Transforming Leaders ?? Boosting Execution Excellence ?? Building Leadership Mindsets ?? Driving Organisational Growth ?? Inspiring Action, Creating Impact! ?? CSP - Certified Speaking Professional ??
Have you ever met someone who thinks they can outdo a well-trained and a seasonal speaker just because they can converse? Or perhaps someone who believes they're a sales guru after selling a few items online? Or even a colleague who thinks they're a natural-born leader after managing a small project?
You're not alone.
This phenomenon is more common than you think. It's called the Illusion of Competence or the Dunning-Kruger Effect. It's a psychological bias that leads people to overestimate their abilities, often with disastrous consequences.
Why does this happen?
Simply put, people tend to confuse familiarity with expertise.
Just because someone can speak doesn't mean they can engage an audience like a seasoned orator. Just because someone can sell a few items doesn't mean they can close high-stakes deals like a professional salesperson. And just because someone can lead a small project doesn't mean they can helm a complex organisation like a seasoned executive.
Understanding your capabilities is crucial for several reasons:
So, how can you avoid the Illusion of Competence?
领英推荐
Ultimately, the Illusion of Competence is a pervasive bias that can hinder personal and professional growth. By recognizing your capabilities and limitations, you'll make informed decisions, build trust, and avoid embarrassing failures.
Remember, just because you can do something doesn't mean you can do it well.
Stay humble, stay hungry, and always be willing to learn.
Follow me on LinkedIn ??and hit the Bell Icon ?? => Sivakumar Palaniappan
Subscribe to our News Letter ??=> Thinkfluence Leadership
Join our Thinkfluence Leadership WhatsApp Community ??=> TFL WhatsApp
Presenter | Speaker |Trainer | Coach |Emotional Intelligence| Consulting Partner flowprofiler?
3 个月I liked you remind us to check in with ourselves . Well informed clients are good at checking for specific evidences before they engage for the capabilities that they seek.
Transforming human beings to build "The Productive Mindset" to experience fulfillment | LinkedIn Strategist | Bestselling Author | Professional Speaker | Business Consultant | LinkedIn Top Voice | Advisory Council HBR
3 个月It's my honour and privilege to be in your wolf pack, learning is mutual ????????
THEN : Chartered Accountant, NOW : Farmer - Speaker - Mentor. I mentor people: for CA exams and life.
4 个月So candidly expressed Anna! Most of the times when we seek feedback, we’re actually seeking validation! And when people give an honest feedback, we don’t take it well because the ego resists! It takes a lot of maturity to silence the ego and absorb the feedback. I’ve experienced this every single time I receive a negative feedback! I’m still learning to humble myself & be open to feedback. Thanks for this reminder Anna! More power to you!
Business Storyteller | Bus. Storytelling Coach | Empowering Leaders to Inspire & Transform | Professional Speaker | Corporate Trainer| Author | Oil & Gas Consultant | Distinguished Toastmaster | Cyber Security | Humorist
4 个月It's great to see your growth mindset, Sivakumar! Being open to feedback and willing to learn is crucial for personal and professional development. Kudos to Sagar Amlani for providing you with valuable feedback, and congratulations on the success of your reworked keynote speech! Your commitment to staying humble and open serves as an inspiration to all.
Governance, Risk & Finance professional - Author - Blogger - Mentor - Speaker
4 个月Well said The illusion of competence or over estimating your capabilities - Liked that those who can speak need not be engaging & those who engage need not create an impact Introspective post Learning always goes on from one & all - validates or gives U Do's & Don'ts