SCRIPTURE: “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3 KJV)
QUOTE: “Confidence is good but overconfidence always sinks the ship.” -Oscar Wilde
NOTE:
Overconfidence, simply put, is the quality of having an unrealistically high opinion of one’s own judgment, ability and powers. Like the above quote states, confidence is good, I t is a desirable attitude and a must for effective leadership. Given its necessity in leadership, there is the subtle tendency of slipping into the excessive mode without knowing.
Overconfidence occurs more when we are very good at what we do to the point that we see ourselves infallible as far as that area of mastery is concerned. It is also reinforced when we believe that our judgements and decisions are better than they really are. A very simple antidote to overconfidence is to cultivate an open mind, be a team player and operate a system that encourages, as well as pay attention to, robust and sincere feedbacks and constructive criticism.
ILLUSTRATION:
“And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him.” (Judges 16:20 KJV)
REFLECTION:
- What doze of confidence do you have?
- Is it overdose or normal dose?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: Isaiah 28 – 29, Proverbs 13