Ever attended a networking event where someone you just met is boasting about the seven-figure deal they closed? Or have to spend an evening next to someone who keeps name-dropping their high-profile clients?
While their accomplishments may be extremely impressive, you probably thought to yourself in this situation: this person is arrogant.
But are they? Or are they simply confident?
In this post, we’ll explain what the key differences are between arrogance and confidence and how you can confidently toot your own horn without provoking any scornful remarks from those around you.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONFIDENCE AND ARROGANCE?
The best way to explain what the difference between both of these terms is to start with the definition of both.
Confidence is “a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.” In other words, it is a feeling that is entirely based on features about yourself that can be used to support why you are acting in this way.
As for arrogance, this is the total opposite. It is “an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions”. Basically, this is when someone is pumping their image to be better than someone else but does not have anything to back it up.
While the line between the two different adjectives is very thin, one thing is clear: confidence is something you have when you can support your feeling with real results. Meanwhile, arrogance is something you have when you have nothing to show for it.
Plus, there is a certain sense of humility and humbleness involved around the self when it comes to confidence. On the other hand, arrogance gives the idea that there is a certain unfounded sense of superiority over someone or something else.
HOW TO NAVIGATE THE DIFFERENCE
Now, we know that for a lot of you the idea of talking yourself up may seem a bit scary. Especially if you are afraid of coming off as arrogant. So here’s what we have as a tip for you… If you want to be sure to not come off as arrogant in business but still come off as confident, the best way to do so is to support your confident claims with the facts.
For example, if you have a big pitch coming up and you want to share the fact that you are one of the top brokers in the area, then back yourself up with the numbers. This will support what you are saying and make you appear as confident. With the numbers presented to your prospects, you can confidently say “I am the best at what I do, and here’s the proof.”
As you navigate business relationships, remember this: others will remember confident people for the right reasons, but remember arrogant people for the wrong reasons. Be strategic about boasting, and you’ll forever reap the rewards. But if you’re cocky, you’ll forever pay the price in business.