Avoiding the Pitfalls of Overconfidence While Benefiting from the Advantages of Confidence

Successful leadership depends on the confidence to rally support, win allies, and deter competitors. However, overconfident leaders have led their companies into disaster. This article identifies the circumstances in which leaders are most prone to overconfidence and its concomitant risks. On the flip side, it explores those circumstances under which confidence is most conducive to success. Using insights from recent research, the article provides recommendations on how managers can avoid the pitfalls of overconfidence while benefiting from the advantages of confidence.