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Balance Self-Confidence and Uncertainty
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| Guest post by: Eric Douglas |
Article Overview: Researchers have revealed yet another key to flow.
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Balance Self-Confidence and Uncertainty
Researchers have revealed yet another key to flow. In a study, leaders were given a survey and asked to rate how many of their decisions each day were absolutely correct. They were also asked to evaluate their level of confidence. Employees were then asked to assess their relationships with these leaders.
Here's what the research revealed: Leaders who were confident but relatively uncertain were viewed as better managers, more likely to foster creative flow and encourage independent thinking. Those who were confident and certain were viewed as authoritarian and inflexible.
When you think about it, this conclusion isn't too surprising. When people work for leaders who are confident but uncertain, they feel more relaxed, more expressive, and more innovative. When you work for a boss who is confident and certain, you're left feeling that your own contributions aren't as important. You tend to feel second-guessed. Before you know it, most of your energy is devoted to managing your boss's reactions rather than to finding better ways of doing things. Too much certainty snuffs out the spark.
To break this cycle, leaders need to openly admit their uncertainty - to confess that they don't always know the answers, to state openly that they look to others to find solutions. Great leaders go one step further. They continually poke at their own assumptions and expose their "facts" as probabilities - not certainties. They encourage people to search for better solutions.
Article Tags: business, creativity, flow, innovation, selfconfidence, uncertainty
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About the Author: Eric Douglas RSS for Eric's articles - Visit Eric's website Take your organization to the next level. Our business management consultants specialize in five dimensions of change: strategy, leadership, governance, performance, and process. Become a better leader. This must-read leadership book reveals 10 Quantum Leaps to build trust, spark innovation, and create a high-performing organization. Improve your communication style. Take this quick and free communication survey. Click here to visit Eric's website A Strategic Vision Exercise The First Five Percent of Strategic Change Management Great Leaders Help People Assume Responsibility 10 Tips for NonProfit Boards Business Mentoring Programs |
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