We scoff at those who display what we consider to be unearned confidence.
We call them arrogant and cocky, and smart people start labeling with smart labels such as Dunning-Krueger.
Basically, how dare they?
They didn’t earn the credentials. They didn’t wait in line. They didn’t start in the mail room. They didn’t check the boxes. They don’t have the experience.
All of this is true, of course. Who doesn’t want someone with the credentials and the experience? Many times, we need that person. When I had my shoulder replaced, I was looking for the team with the most experience — the most amount of “been there, done that.” Because I wanted each step to be routine. From the prep, the hardware, anesthesia, surgery, and post-op recovery. All as routine as possible.
But also, how do we find new solutions? How does one break out of the box? How does anybody do anything new? How do we create work that matters? How does one make a difference?
Through confidence that isn’t necessarily learned or earned because it comes through belief.
