Research from Turknett Leadership Group shows that perception affects reality.
Unaware and Self-Destructive: How Overconfident Execs Sabotage Their Careers
(Atlanta, Georgia) Recent research from Turknett Leadership Group in Atlanta shows that executives who are bold, maverick types are more likely to overrate their leadership abilities compared to how their subordinates, peers and superiors rate them. These overly-confident individuals tend to be extroverted risk-takers who rarely suffer from anxiety.
According to Randall H. Lucius, Ph.D., research director of Turknett Leadership Group, each person participating in the study had up to 15 subordinates, peers and superiors rate them on 47 leadership behaviors including decisiveness, consideration, adaptability, thoroughness, forthrightness and the ability to motivate others. They rated themselves on the same behaviors. The sample group included mid-level managers and executives with an average age of 44. 25% of the group was female.
The results show that leaders who overrate their abilities score an average of 18% higher on qualities such as extroversion, exhibition, risk-taking, and social confidence than those who underrate their abilities. What does this finding mean in terms of getting the job done and moving up the ladder?
"Research indicates that accurate self-perceivers are better decision-makers," says Robert L. Turknett, Ed.D., president of Turknett Leadership Group. "Inaccurate self-perceivers are more likely to deny problems and be blind-sided by surprises in the market and within their own organization. And many times those who overestimate their skills and abilities tend to suffer in terms of job performance."
Another land mine for the overly-confident is that, while risk-taking is a key trait for leaders, inaccurate self-perceivers may take certain risks that are beyond their natural capabilities, jeopardizing their careers as well as the vitality of their company.
Business people who are confident and self-aware will enjoy the benefits of a healthy self-esteem alongside a higher degree of emotional intelligence. Those who are confident but unaware -- beware! Your career is in danger.
