As promised here is the cartoon inspired by the book The Invisible Gorilla by Dan Simon and Chris Chabris. What does this cartoon have to do with the video I posted on Wednesday. Nothing. haha I took my inspiration from a different part of the book.

Charles Darwin observed that “ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge” In face, those who are the least skilled are the most likely to think better of themselves than they should – they disproportionately experience the illusion of confidence. (page 86)

It is because of this behavioral trait that the Friggin Loon is able to constantly post a stream of stories on stupid criminals. Their confidence in their ability outweighs their knowledge on how to actually pull off the crime.

In group dynamics, especially at work, most of us have heard the cream will rise to the top. But it doesn’t. How many times have you walked away from a meeting knowing that the direction the group decided to take is the wrong way but you felt you didn’t have the power or the influence to change it. Next time, you might need to jump out there and respond first. In one experiment the authors did they found that a group trying to solve a hard math problem went with the first answer offered up 94% of the time.

…group leadership wsa determined largely by confidence. People with dominant personalities tend to exhibit greater self-confidence, and due to the illusion of confidence, others tend to trust and follow people who speak with confidence. If you offer your opinion early and often, people will take your confidence as an indicator of ability, even if you are no better than your peers. (page 98)

So how many of you “know” of superiors who are only in their position because of their own self confidence versus their skill? How many of you think YOU should be in that position? And then, of course, is your confidence in being able to do that job equal to your own competence?

*** Side note: I was so underconfident that I was spelling “competent” correctly, that I looked it up at least 3 times in writing this post.

*** Side note 2: I got rid of the Digg button below and added a Google +1 button for those using it. For those who are not and need an invite, let me know.