What is more important in life: Confidence or Competence?

Question

I think you can get very far with a "fake it till you make it" strategy. So perhaps: "Have confidence and competence will follow" is the right thing to do.

Answer 1

Confidence first and foremost, Competence is useful and can boost a low ego and instill self esteem in a person but over competence isnt good and can make you seem imperious. Confidence is one of lifes most important self skills although over confidence can lead to mistakes and you can make yourself look foolish.

Balance is the key, always strive for balance

Answer 2

Nowadays a lot of people seem to think confidence is more important. Sadly, I think that's why a lot of things get totally ballsed-up, and I wish a few more people rated competence highly.

Answer 3

both... you have to have confidence and competence...

step-up and be smart

If you don't step-up, no one will know you are smart...

and if you step-up, and have nothing intelligent to say or do...

well... embarrassment will ensue!

Answer 4

if your confidence comes from competence, then it is more strongly rooted and not easily challenged nor swayed. in fact, competence can only strengthen confidence.

without competence, it would be hard to maintain confidence.

Answer 5

their combination is potent for success. but competence or proficiency in your ability is the more important, as it gives you the confidence esp. with work and social relations. without competence, you can never be confident to do anything at all.  meanwhile, confidence without competence is just "bluff".  it may get you places to an extent, but unless you develop the competence, you'd only be taken as a pass off or a sham.

Answer 6

To be confident in your abilities first and foremost.

You can be extremely competent at what you do but without confidence it is not always possible for that attribute to be adequately recognised by you or others.

Being confident opens many doors to new possibilities. New possibilities allow you to gain experience which can lead to acknowledged competence.