Happy MLK Day!
This post is inspired by a post I read at charismatips.com. While Dan M's post focuses on dating and his experience/philosophy on the "nice guys finish last." It got me thinking about how this same theory applies in the social business world.
People who are confident tend to be well accepted socially. People who are humble are well liked. Is there a way to bridge the gap?
Confidence
We are taught, "Don't boast, don't brag." And those who constantly boast and brag are an annoyance that no one wants to be around. "Did you see how awesome I was! Man, let me show you what I can do! Wow! I'm way better than you!"
Humility
Humility is something that we are told we should strive to acheive. Yet we see "humble" people who get walked all over, passed up for promotion, and dumped time and time again. The "nice guys" we like to keep around but never really notice.
These false concepts keep us from fully exploring the potential of true confidence and true humility.
Can one exist with the other?
Humility and Confidence actually go hand in hand. A truly confident person is also humble and a truly humble person has the confidence to be so.
Let me define the two.
Confidence is the ability to know and play to one's strengths.
Humility is the willingness and openness to be teachable and learn.
You can know your strengths and have an openness to improve and strengthen them, and you can have confidence in your ability to learn.
Case in Point
A friend of mine, Tony, is a brilliant man. He works at a biotech company as a scientist. He doesn't talk much about his job as it makes no sense to us lay people. He is one of the most humble people I know. He is athletic and will tell you that he is pretty good at soccer, has strong political views and is outspoken on issues like the environment. Yet he knows there are limits and will listen and ask for insight or advice on any number of topics. Recently, I found out he has a PHD and holds a pretty substantial position at his company. Not that it surprised me, but I have known him for a couple years.
Confidence vs. Humility?
It is not really a competition, more like a cooperation. How can you express your confidence with humility?
A look into Social Media Marketing as it applies to business and self-promotion. The discussions are geared towards companies, entrepenuers, artistic and creative types, written to inspire a new way at marketing. It is about connection rather than sales.