By: Fauzia Burke

How people perceive you can be very important in your career and business. Here's how to avoid rubbing people the wrong way.

Shared: From your friends #*@TechAutoCareers.com®* the online resource for the *Automotive Sales Fraternity™*

Someone once told me there’s a fine line between arrogance and confidence. I immediately thought: That’s not true. There’s a huge difference.

I feel some people exemplify the difference perfectly. Malala Yousafzai is confident enough to talk with world leaders and ask them to change their policies. Yet she never seems arrogant.

Why is this important? It’s an important distinction because we like working with confident people, but we don’t like engaging with arrogant people. A UCLA study concluded that likable people ask questions, are genuine and honest, don’t seek attention, and smile (among other things). How people perceive you can be very important in your career and business.

As the owner of a digital branding and publicity company, I know that perception is everything. If you seem confident, you’ll thrive. If you seem arrogant, you’ll alienate people. It’s that simple and that important.

Here are some differences between the two approaches and how both can impact your ability to connect with others.

Arrogance Is a Thin Veil for Insecurity

The irony of arrogance is that it screams insecurity. People who seem arrogant often don’t take ownership for their shortcomings and use their inflated sense of self as a defense mechanism against criticism.

Arrogance prevents us from showing our vulnerability--which is necessary if we want to resonate with people online and off.

Confident People Are OK With Mistakes

You can be confident and still say, “I messed up.” Confident people are not only OK with mistakes, but also often share their mistakes openly. They don’t consider errors a reflection of who they are, but as learning opportunities.

Showing people that you’re real and flawed (because we all are) is actually an excellent way to connect with people and establish trust.

Listening for Best Results

People who don’t listen often seem arrogant. Listening is a key factor for providing value for your colleagues, audience, or customers. Social media gives all of us the unprecedented opportunity to listen to what others need and respond with empathy and understanding.

Comfortableness With the Success of Others

Confident people are self-accepting and comfortable with who they are, and who you are. They don’t need to put others down to lift themselves up. People with confidence can see the best in others and happily celebrate their successes.

Confidence attracts people. Every one of us is insecure about something. Confident people know this, even express it. They realize that their shortcomings do not define them. We tend to gravitate toward people who seem vulnerable and human.

It’s important to step outside of yourself and observe. Are you coming across as arrogant or confident? Are you sharing your successes or coming off as self-congratulatory? The difference between the two isn’t slight. Arrogance will negatively impact your relationships and opportunities. Confidence will attract people, build relationships, and create opportunities.

Moving away from arrogance (I’m No. 1 always, under all conditions) and into confidence (We are No. 1 together often, but sometimes we mess up) can propel you forward in your career and in your life.

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P S. Now it's your turn. What do you think? Is this something you can benefit from or do you have a few tricks up your sleeve that are just as powerful? Make your voice heard by leaving a comment below. Don’t forget to hit the share button if you know others who will find this post useful.

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