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Arrogance is a killer, and wearing ambition on one's sleeve can have the same effect. There is a fine line between arrogance and self-confidence. Legitimate self-confidence is a winner. The true test of self-confidence is the courage to be open-to welcome change and new ideas regardless of their source. Self-confident people aren't afraid to have their views challenged. They relish the intellectual combat that enriches ideas.

Jack Welch#12

LeadershipGrowthAmbitionConfidenceEgoFeedbackHumility

About this quote

What does it mean?
Arrogance and overt ambition can be destructive, while true self-confidence involves welcoming challenges and new ideas openly.
In plain terms
Stay confident but humble, and be open to having your views challenged.
What can you take from it?
Embrace intellectual combat to enrich your ideas.

Where it applies

  • team meetings
  • performance reviews
  • strategy sessions

Putting it to work

  • Invite feedback on proposals
  • Discuss mistakes openly

Questions to consider

  • When did you last change your mind due to feedback?
  • How do you show confidence without seeming arrogant?

Another view

Sometimes confidence can be mistaken for arrogance in hierarchical cultures.

More from Jack Welch

  1. Getting the right people in the right jobs is a lot more important than developing a strategy.

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  2. Business has to be fun. For too many people, it's 'just a job.'

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  3. Getting every employee's mind into the game is a huge part of what a CEO job is all about. Taking everyone's best ideas and transferring them to others is the …

    Permalink to quote #10

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