Confidence is one of the best qualities that you can display at the workplace, and consequently it’s promoted vigorously by pretty much anyone giving out career advice. However, what most of these same people neglect to discuss is the thin line that exists between Confidence and Arrogance. Understanding the difference between the two is crucial to success in any field.

What is the difference? I think it can best be seen in their definitions, which I have taken a stab at below:

Confidence - A confident person is not afraid to make an important decision, but at the same time does not believe that they are the only person that could have the right answer. They will listen to other’s points of view and take them into consideration before acting, even if their answer ends up being the correct one.

Arrogance - An arrogant person is also not afraid to make an important decision, however they do not take into account others views before acting. They have the unfailing belief that only they can provide the right answer, and can even become condescending towards their peers.

They key point in both of these definitions is about listening to others. Both confident and arrogant people are usually decision makers, however it is the confident people that will truly take into consideration their peers points of view. An arrogant person might listen, but will have dismissed any differing opinion internally already. A huge part of being confident is accepting the fact that you could be wrong. Not only can you be wrong, but somebody else could actually be right. This is the essence of confidence.

Walking the line between confidence and arrogance is extremely difficult, especially if you are an expert at what you do. When this is the case, it is much harder to listen to someone else when you think you have the right answer. This is exactly why you have to constantly be watchful for signs that you might be slipping into arrogance. One example of this could occur if you are discussing an issue with a peer, and you find yourself not really paying attention. Another example could be if you walk into a meeting for the purpose of making a decision, only to have made your decision before the meeting even started. Even if you are 99% sure that you are right, you should at least consider other opinions before you make the final decision.

Remember: Confidence is paying attention, not paying lip service.