My previous post on decision making theme was on pedestal paradox. Continuing with the theme, I am sharing the concept of self-assessment and insight when one thinks that they are smarter than others.

Dunning Kruger effect curve

Photo by Jeremy Lishner on Unsplash

Stupider they are; smarter they think they are. Individuals with lower knowledge, skills or expertise have no or insight into their level of incompetence. However, they possess a higher degree of confidence compared to their knowledge. Following them for advice will be similar to blind chasing blind. Ideally one requires a higher level of self-awareness for a paradigm of seeking feedback, inputs and transparency from everyone around to self assess. Someone who is incompetent may not find it relevant to seek information about their incompetence(they are not self-aware to the level to seek that information). These individuals may be good at eh! Being good.

The illusion of superiority can also stem from endowment, entitlement. Imagine an organisation that rewards overconfident yet less knowledgeable individuals, it is like a house of cards waiting for “culture correction” to occur. Can you recall an overconfident person whose voice was heard whist you chose to keep quiet being unsure. Next time try speak up you may be right! I was in conversation with a lady who was at a senior role in an organisation however in meetings was uncomfortable as a younger more confident person was questioning her decisions and wanted her ideas to be implemented. This women manager, had a PhD in the subject and had published a number of papers while the younger manager had no such expertise however her confidence was making her centre of attention. On my suggestion when the senior manager took a fact-based approach and spoke up and the confrontation stopped. It was also the confidence of the younger person who at times made the senior manager recheck facts, underpinning the discussion. The real issue was that senior manager assumed competence based on how confident the younger manager appeared.

One of my close friends who made investment in a firm to have a seat on the table got in discussions with the CEO. CEO claimed he was the smartest in the field one that is how things are done. CEO’s decision was implemented however only to find much later that the decision was significantly damaging to business. Had the suggestion by a friend who was investor/advisor been implemented, the business would have gained commercially and in reputation.

Next time you hear a similar story about a claim that I am the best or this is how we have been doing things. The claimant may be struggling due to lack of insight and can be explained by the Dunning - Kruger effect. The same applies to claims about religion, knowledge, culture. It is like a frog in the well trying to describe an elephant.

Now the question, if knowledge is infinite, then would the presence of confidence be taken as ignorance?

Don’t be shy of seeking advice, do what you think is right.

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Dunning Kruger effect curve