...or just confident?
I agree that it is very important to be competent however, I believe that when we are confident, we are willing to do what we need to in order to be competent. And then, when we are competent, we are confident - and that confidence makes us aim for a higher level of competence - so it is a Cycle.
From the definitions, it's obvious that confidence includes a level of competence. One of the surest ways I know for becoming competent is to make yourself available to learn by doing. For someone to put herself in that situation, it comes from a place of confidence that you have the "ability" (a word used in defining "competence") to learn and improve. I agree that it is not always easy to put your hand up and say that you don't know one thing or the other however, if you are not courageous and confident enough to show that you can learn, how will you learn and become more competent?
From my personal experience, the courageous-confidence (if there is such a term) to say that you want to learn and become (more) competent in one area or the other comes from a place of humility and authenticity not arrogance. Also in being confident, we must be measured - yet not timid. Any and every form of arrogance is an immediate put-off - and sometimes could result in a put-out. And we don't want that! Rather we want to be available for more opportunities and for more opportunities to be available to us - just like 2 sides of a coin that "stick together" and provide value. Or would you want a coin that has only 1 side?
I recently attended a session where a Talent Acquisition Advisor was sharing how they go through the Recruitment and Hiring process. I was amused, actually amazed, when she "recommended" that people should review job postings and apply if they see they have at least 75% of the requirements. I almost said "That's your gender speaking."
A random internet search and various conversations with others will quickly reveal that men are deemed to be more confident - even if they are not more competent or even as competent as women when vying for a new role, project or adventure. Note that this is a generalization that does not need to apply to you.
I agree that it is very important to be competent however, I believe that when we are confident, we are willing to do what we need to in order to be competent. And then, when we are competent, we are confident - and that confidence makes us aim for a higher level of competence - so it is a Cycle.
Let's pause and look at the definition of both words, courtesy of Google:
Competence - the ability to do something successfully or efficiently.
Confidence - the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.
A feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities.
From the definitions, it's obvious that confidence includes a level of competence. One of the surest ways I know for becoming competent is to make yourself available to learn by doing. For someone to put herself in that situation, it comes from a place of confidence that you have the "ability" (a word used in defining "competence") to learn and improve. I agree that it is not always easy to put your hand up and say that you don't know one thing or the other however, if you are not courageous and confident enough to show that you can learn, how will you learn and become more competent?From my personal experience, the courageous-confidence (if there is such a term) to say that you want to learn and become (more) competent in one area or the other comes from a place of humility and authenticity not arrogance. Also in being confident, we must be measured - yet not timid. Any and every form of arrogance is an immediate put-off - and sometimes could result in a put-out. And we don't want that! Rather we want to be available for more opportunities and for more opportunities to be available to us - just like 2 sides of a coin that "stick together" and provide value. Or would you want a coin that has only 1 side?
To answer the question we started with, I would say work on your confidence because it will lead you to strive for competence. Napoleon Hill said "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." For those of us who have attained confidence and competence, please look around for ladies around you who may be struggling with one or both dimensions of their lives and help them.
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