Sidestepping the Pitfalls of Overconfidence with Plausible Deniability

Presented by Office of Public Affairs and Communications

A fine line exists between confidence and arrogance, and many in positions of power —such as politicians and CEOs — often are labeled arrogant. Although confidence can serve as both a blessing and a curse, new research from the University of Notre Dame shows how people can reap the rewards without risking the social penalties for overconfidence.

“Is Overconfidence a Social Liability? The Effect of Verbal Versus Nonverbal Expressions of Confidence” is forthcoming in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology from Nathan Meikle, postdoctoral research and teaching associate in the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business.