On Balance: Humility versus Confidence

As a student and soon to be PR practitioner, I would like to say that I have all this great insight and great new ideas, but I don’t think that is true. I feel like I still have so much to learn and have no intention of challenging anyone’s ideas anytime soon…boss…professor…no way! I know to some this may sound cowardly, but I would have to disagree. It is more about respect. Respect for someone who has been in the industry with experience. I think experience is priceless. I don’t care how many classes you sat through in college, if you’ve never dealt with a client (I never have), than you have no right to challenge someone who has dealt with thousands. To me, trying to make a statement is not worth offending someone who could make or break your career. If their idea fails, politely suggest yours and go from there.

I have been hearing so often about important it is for me as a student to learn these new trends in social media. And, to be honest, I haven’t realized the importance of being familiar with all this until I have been visiting PR blogs such as this one I am responding to.
It scares me to think that I may be more experienced in this area than practitioners who have been in the idustry for years. It is especially intimidating to think of “managing up.” These questions have truly challenged me to think about what I would do in these type situations.
I think that there can be a fine line between self confidence and humility, yet they are still so different. And I believe that you can tell just by talking with someone which side they may stand on. An insightful suggestion may show more humility than coming out and bluntly saying “this is what needs to be done and this is why.”
Although, suggestions may offend a boss if it is said in the wrong way, which is where the fine line resides. With all this still in mind, I do need to remember that my education is preparing me with the latest trends in PR, and i think we, as young communicators should have the right to voice those opinions and suggestions that could potentially better an organization.

I have to disagree with you, Sara. I feel like the up-and-comer who makes his or her ideas known is more likely to gain the respect of industry veterans. I’m not saying to be the proverbial “know-it-all,” but there’s something to be said for someone who can form his or her own ideas without being told what to do all the time. As a southern girl, I was raised to show the utmost respect to my superiors, but I believe there is a big difference between being respectful and being assertive. I also believe that our generation does have an advantage when it comes to the newest technologies such as blogging. I have had access to a computer for the better part of two decades now, unlike generations before me. I know the programs better, I know the “lingo” better, and I think even though I haven’t used it in a professional situation, my opinion is still a valuable one. Am I being overly confident?

I feel that I am not really in a place yet to make such a rash statement about what I would do in that particular situation. It depends on the boss’s personality and perceived dominance. In no case though would I say that my suggestion for something would be better than the boss’s. If I felt comfortable enough around my boss, I would suggest my way with a full explanation as to why I believe that it would work also and let him/her pick which would be used. At least I could say that I tried to voice my opinion if he/she still stuck with their idea. If the boss seemed to be controlling and unwilling to yield to other’s suggestions, I would hold back. I wouldn’t want to get fired from my first job for acting like I was better than my boss. I hope though that this won’t be an issue. I like to think that if I were the boss, I would want the people below me to do their best work even if some of their ideas were better than mine, since my name would be on the finished product in the end.

I think it is important for young PR practitioners to find a good balance. I feel that we are the future and our voices should be heard. While we are not as experienced in the field as established PR practioners we do have newly developed online communication skills. Most of my classes at Auburn Univeristy revolve around incorporating online communication into our PR strategies. I do not by any means think that young practioners should act arrogant but I do believe we should be able to share our opinions. Regardless of age, you should respect your co-workers and elders opinions; however, they should repsect you and allow your ideas to be voiced. I feel that the best ideas can be found in teamwork and collaboration. I also feel that opinions both new and old can be a valuable asset to any company.

I feel that our generation has been gifted in being able to use technology in our classroom practices and that this can be beneficial to PR companies. The future of PR is headed towards online communication and as students we are being taught to utilize our skills in this direction. Should we feel discouraged about being able to use these skills to our advantage? Is it bad to voice an opinion about technology with which we have had experience?

Knowing the latest trends in PR is important as a young practitioner. Perhaps that will be the reason a company might hire some of us in the next few months, right? We can bring these ideas to the table and engage our coworkers in what we know.

Certainly Jordan is right-on with suggesting a happy medium.
Appearing like a know-it-all is no way to be successful in an organization, much less in making friends. Learning and listening to the more experienced practitioners is necessary. Someone who has been successful might not know the latest and most innovative thing out there; but if he or she has that experience, seeking his aid and advice must be beneficial.

Isn’t there a balance between being confident as opposed to arrogant or humble instead of a push-over?

I definitely think that a balance between self confidence and humility exists. The key to finding this happy medium in my opinion is to be aware of both our talents and inexperience. It is to be aware and confident in our own opinions but also to realize what little job experience one may hold. Awareness is the key to maintaining the proper balance.

However, I must also agree that our generation has had more exposure to online communication. I have taken multiple classes about how to use different programs online. I am currently enrolled in a class that focuses on the importance of social media. Current PR practicioners may not have had quite the amount of exposure to current technology as my generation has had. It would be in the best interest of all parties involved to recognize this. And years down the road when I am an experienced PR practicioner I will face a new generation of computer savvy students and will have to recognize the obvious differences in our capabilities.

I don’t understand why confidence in what we have been taught may be misinterpreted as overconfidence? Would it not be easier to recognize that both generations can learn from each other? Of course I have much more to learn than a PR practitioner, but I still believe that my generation has something that we can bring to the table.

I find this balance of humility and confidence in the workplace intriguing. The line is so thin between the two that it seems an executive could easily become offended by a young employee that simply knows a lot about the Internet. I could see how a junior PR practitioner could be overlooked based on the fact that they have little on-the-job experience.

Even though I am an advocate of my generation and our knowledge of the Internet, I can’t help but agree with Phil Gomes that the new generation must learn the importance of learning to “manage up.” In any organization, the structure of management is what allows an effective flow of communication.

It is imperative that the company work on both ends to increase the communication, and in return, companies will see an influx of ideas from all sources. In order to open these lines of communication, not only will the older generation have to learn to accept the natural instinct of the new generation, but the new generation will also have to make every effort to learn the art of communicating with management effectively.

I always find that a sense of uneasiness comes over me when it comes time to publish a blog or add a comment. I know that I am very new at using online social media and sometimes I feel as though I am doing it all wrong. I agree with Chris Clarke by viewing it as a question of credibility. Am I credible enough to participate in active discussions with others that have much more experience in the public relations field than I do? You have to start somewhere and social media is just going to become a more popular means of communication as time goes on, so why not begin building confidence in yourself and your opinion?

When it comes to the question of arrogance, I agree wih you Kami when you state that there’s a fine line. There is a significant difference between offering your opinion in an attempt to contribute to a discussion and being too confident about your thoughts on something. I don’t think there is any need or room for those types of opinions to be expressed. When blogging, you should display enough confidence in your writing so that others do begin to view you as a credible source and value what you have to say. Social media is an effective way to network and communicate with individuals all over the world that share in your field of study and have interests similar to your own. I encourage anyone who is interested in pursuing a position as a PR practioner to begin blogging and building their credibility now.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion regardless of where you work or who you work for, but one must know when to speak out or when to take note. I think if a PR practitioner is just starting out he/she should learn how their own company works. Pay attention to what can be said and what can’t be because every company will handle things differently.

I think that one should be able to have their own voice in the company as long as feedback whether positive or negative is given in a useful way in order to benefit the company.

Another thing is to see how your boss thinks. There’s nothing wrong with making suggestions, but don’t let making suggestions turn into telling him/her what to do. When someone comes into a company he/she should know their stuff not worrying about who else does or doesn’t because in the end this is what will set you apart and allow you to interact with different people on different levels.

Our generation has always been defined by the technology available to us. Because we have had access to the interent from a relatively young age, I think it gives us the ability to bring something new to the table when we enter the work force. Although most of us are new to this idea of social media, having a knowledge of the internet and how to network through blogging will give us a step ahead of the competition when wntering the work force.

In response to Kami’s question, I think that the balance between self-confidence and humility is knowing when to be assertive and when to merely give a suggestion. I think it mostly depends on the situation, but I think it is important for young PR practitioners to give their suggestions and ideas. Even if you haven’t had much on-the-job experince, you may respectfully give a good suggestion wihout having an arrogant attitude. The thought of speaking up to a boss or superior can cause a bit of anxiety, but isn’t it better to speak up sometimes than to never make a contribution?

I would like to address one of the questions raised in this post: Should young communicators have a voice in the industry?

Yes! Does it have to be the loudest and only voice? No. I always hear that PR campaigns should be “fresh,” “innovative,” and “new.” Not to say that professionals that have been in the industry for a while can’t think of ideas that have an edge. They do all the time and I’m sure their experience helps them immensely, but a young professional in an organization may be more in touch with a certain target audience (younger people).

I think collaboration is the key. More experienced professionals should take into consideration input from younger professionals. While young professionals should soak up all the knowledge and wisdom they can from more experienced pros.

Maybe I’m just young and naive, but I really do think people can work together. Experience and novelty both play an important role to be successful.

I’m going to have to agree with others on the fact that there has to be a balance between confidence and humility. Nobody wants someone fresh out of college to act like they’ve been working in the industry for years, but sometimes speaking up and voicing your opinion is the best (and only) way to get noticed.

It’s easy to see why social media has been brought up in this discussion. I think that in the years to come, this will be the area where young pr practitioners will need to voice their opinion (while trying not to sound overconfident). The fact of the matter is, that this is an area in which we will most likely have more experience than our bosses. For this reason, I think we will be appreciated offering advice on some subjects(ie: social media), and safe in keeping quiet on others (like how to handle a client that your company has worked with successfully for years).

I believe that no matter how new you are to the industry, you should have the confidence to speak out, and give fresh ideas to the company. Some may feel that you should keep a low profile, and not always say what’s on your mind. However, I feel that you’ll never know whether your opinion is appreciated until you try. That’s what’s wrong with a lot of people today; most are afraid to speak in fear of what others may think or losing a job. If a job is that easy to lose, then maybe it wasn’t for the individual in the first place.

Time are changing, and with that comes fresh ideas from a more well-rounded generation. Therefore, if an individual was qualified enough to be hired, then they should be able to share their ideas until they are noted that they aren’t wanted. I understand that you do have to respect superiors, but you shouldn’t be afraid to voice your opinion either. As long as an individual gives an opinion in a professional manner, then it’s fine to share fresh ideas or give some food for thought.

Great discussion. I’ve been in the biz for 15 years and while I’m sure I haven’t seen it all, I have seen a lot.

Three things to consider:

Interpersonal communications is just like any other form of communications you are studying. There’s a message, a giver, and a receiver. Put yourself in the shoes of the receiver and try to figure out the best way to get that message through so it’s heard and resonates. Each boss is different and you’re going to have to get along with them and figure out their styles over the years because you’ll have many.

Second thing, be confident, have ideas, believe in yourself, contribute…but never fall into the over-confident, cocky crap that some people adopt far too easily. Introducing new ideas is tough and they don’t always take on the first few tries. A little respect, humility and conversation is the way to go. Introduce ideas by asking questions and getting a conversation going. Many people just take their idea and try to kick the door down. Play it cool and ease it in.

Finally, I’ve heard this from a few people: Nobody can ever say something stupid if they keep their mouths shut. Silence is not an option, but listen more and talk less is something you’ll find the smartest people in the room do every day.

I really enjoyed reading the five-minute version of “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” So much of it seems like common sense, but the fundamental tenets for building personal relationships often are lost in the shuffle.

I find myself torn on the idea of never criticizing, condemning or complaining. I agree that self-criticism is annoying and unsolicited. Pity parties do not build personal relationships they inspire resentment. But I do not know if I agree that omitting any sort of criticism is a good thing. I grew up with the idea that criticism is what helps you grow. Albeit, the more positively put the criticism is the better the reception. But in order for any kind of relationship to develop it must face some sort of obstacle and be able to overcome it.

However, I say these things in reference to building personal relationships. When you find what someone is saying to you interesting in person you reinforce them by smiling and nodding your head as you listen. Does the yellow Internet smiley face replace this act when you are online? Do the rules change when the relationship you are trying to build is between bloggers?

I also enjoyed reading the five-minute version of “How to Win Friends and Influence People.� I think that the idea of framing criticism as a question is an excellent idea because it allows people to think of better options in an indirect way. In my own experience, i have noticed that when something is pointed out that I need to work on, if asked as a question, i feel as though the person asking me is on my team and wants to help. If criticism is given as a harsh statement, my own feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness override the issue at hand. Then I am unable to make any progress. This seems most relevant in a business setting because you will be working with this person for an extended period of time and need the relationship to stay healthy to have a positive work environment. Sounds a lot like therapy!