Confidence is often a prized trait in leadership, but what happens when that confidence isn't backed by competence? In today’s episode, we discuss the allure of overconfidence, examining how it can cloud judgment, mislead hiring decisions, and distort organizational culture.
Drawing on real-world examples from Silicon Valley and two high-profile leaders, we examine how unchecked overconfidence can lead to catastrophic outcomes for both individuals and organizations. You’ll learn to spot the signs of overconfidence before it’s too late.
I challenge you to reflect on your leadership decisions and the teams you build. Are you rewarding those with the loudest voices or those with proven results? Join me as we explore how to navigate the overconfidence trap and make decisions that foster true competence, not just charisma.
In this episode:
- The social power of overconfidence
- Real-life case studies: Elizabeth Holmes & Adam Neumann
- The psychology behind overconfidence
- Practical tips for leaders to evaluate overconfidence
Get Your Copy of The Mammoth in the Room: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/
Resources Used in the Episode:
Moore, D. A., & Healy, P. J. (2008). The Trouble with Overconfidence. Psychological Review, 115(2), 502–517: https://healy.econ.ohio-state.edu/papers/Moore_Healy-TroubleWithOverconfidence.pdf
Dunning, D., & Kruger, J. (1999). Unskilled and Unaware of It. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77(6), 1121–1134: https://2024.sci-hub.se/1535/d892f06cdd326ef83a9ae29ed540647c/10.1037@0022-3514.77.6.1121.pdf
Belmi, P., Neale, M. A., Reiff, D., & Ulfe, R. (2020). The Social Advantage of Miscalibrated Individuals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 118(2), 254–282: https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/psp-pspi0000187.pdf
Carreyrou, J. (2018). Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup. Knopf: https://a.co/d/9P12H79
Isaac, M., & Carey, M. (2019). WeWork: How a Startup Went Wrong. The New York Times.
Get in Touch:
Website: https://www.mammothleadershipscien ces.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences
