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By Daniela Aroche

Walking the fine line between self-confidence and egotism

To make it to the top in law, you need to be self-confident - in your ability and skills as well as in your own persona and ability to deal with clients or colleagues.

However whilst a healthy level of self-confidence is a good thing, too much of an ego can be a draw-back which could cost you a promotion and seriously stall your career development.

"Technical skills are a given [in the legal industry]. What sets you apart and gets you selected is how you present yourself - if you give employers confidence that you can do the job. How you present yourself includes several factors like how you dress, how eloquent you are and how engaging you are, but self confidence is the most important because it is the very platform from which you deliver your eloquence, your engagement. Without it there is no medium for you to showcase your knowledge and skills because you will be unconvincing," said Chrys Leong, consultant at Hudson Legal.

"However, in this day and age, no one can function alone - it is all about teamwork. Nobody likes egomaniacs. So if that line [between self confidence and ego] is crossed and you become too egotistical, it is off-putting whether or not you have the substance to back it up - and of course it is far worse if you don't."

Whilst the culprits of inflated egos are often people who are not at the top yet but think they have what it takes, lawyers who are excellent at their craft are not immune, so it can often be quite ironic that it is those that are particularly brilliant in their area of speciality become so egotistical that it could potentially ruin their chances at an otherwise stellar career.

"I have certainly seen it [inflated ego] inhibit the progress of a career. A candidate was dropped for promotion because he was so unpopular with his peers and internal clients that the bosses hesitated promoting him for fear of losing the whole team. In another case, a hiring manager had problems hiring because nobody wanted to report to her despite it being a good job and good organisation," said Leong.

"The legal community is small and word spreads. If you are too egotistical they [colleagues] will not help you or support you if they can help it - they can't wait to see you fail, to bring you back down to reality and put you back in your place. You become unpopular and you will find that it is a lot harder to get things done, even little things, because nobody is inclined to help you to make things easier for you. An egotistical mediocre lawyer will not get very far in his/her career. It will be hard to build and sustain a successful career with a loyal team reporting to you."

It is always important to keep arrogance/self-importance in check, and Leong advises that the best way to do that is to simply keep your head down, chin up and avoid singing your own praises.

"Focus on the work, don't focus on yourself. A good piece of work speaks for itself and speaks for you," she said.

Are you at risk of an inflated ego?

Symptoms:

* You swing between two states: being "nice" and plain arrogance.
* You think and talk about standards, morals and rules a lot.
* You often take things personally and way too seriously.
* You feel deeply wounded when something you've done or even YOU yourself has been rejected in some capacity.
* You are not fond of the masses or those who are in positions of authority.
* You consider being "right" as the most important thing.
* You feel the world owes you something.
* You honestly believe you're above everyone else.
* You often walk around feeling very proud.
* You disdain what you believe you can't/shouldn't have.
* You must have your way (a little too often).
* You feel it's you against "them".
* You are never a beginner at anything!
* You justify and defend absolutely everything.

How do you fix it?

* Start by admitting to yourself that you have a large ego.

* Ask yourself: Am I really, truly getting what I want (in business and life)?

* Step outside yourself and analyse your behaviours. Seek the assistance of someone you trust who is direct and honest to help you out.

* Revise your standards: Ask yourself why you hold such standards. No, I mean REALLY ask yourself. You'll probably trace your standards back to a bad experience which you've let negatively shape all your beliefs and behaviours.

* Reserve judgment for everything.

* Don't take things personally, or too seriously. Not everything is intended to be taken to heart.

* Don't let emotion cloud decision making. Emotions are transient - they may not be a true reflection of the situation at hand.

Source: Paul J. Morris. To learn more head to www.flyingsolo.com.au.