There can be a fine line in people’s minds between confidence and arrogance. The distinction can often be blurred by our perception, but the differences are quite clear. Arrogance is a self-centered attitude that we’re better than someone else. Confidence is the assurance that we’re comfortable in our own skin. That we can get the goals and tasks at hand done well, and that we’re capable, and comfortable making mistakes in the process.

Webster Merriam Dictionary defines each as the following:

Arrogance: ar·​ro·​gance ˈar-ə-gən(t)s. : a sense of one's own importance that shows itself in a proud and insulting way.

Confidence: con·​fi·​dence ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s  -ˌden(t)s : a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances.

A big difference between the two, is that confident people are ok with making a bit of a fool of themselves, and aren’t afraid of falling on their faces a bit. It may sound counterintuitive, but confident people have no problem expressing their vulnerabilities.

Arrogant attitudes and actions, on the other hand, do not address these. There’s an ego involved with the process that leaves out admission of wrongdoing, mistakes, or heaven forbid, vulnerability.

By being vulnerable, it also makes you humble. Admitting our mistakes isn’t always easy, but it shows that we’re no better than anyone else. It exemplifies that you’re human.

Do mistakes happen in roofing or construction? Of course they do. Roofing is a science, but not always a perfect one. Anyone who tells you any differently is not telling the truth or the whole story.

We’re a roofing company, but as with any business, confidence is an important part of what makes a business great.

Why and how you may ask?

For us at Red Dog’s Roofing, it’s because our Project Consultants need to be confident in what they present to the customer when they sit down at the initial consultation and inspection. Our clients need to know their hard earned money is in good hands. 

Our production department, who physically put the roof on the house, needs to be confident in the work that they do. With years of experience, they know their stuff, and if there are any doubts in what they do, we either need to train them better or shift them to another position that’s more well suited for them, or it’s time to part ways.

The owner needs to be confident. His leadership is imperative to the overall success of the business and morale of the company. Who wants to follow a leader who isn’t sure of the vision that he helped to create?

In our case, that means having the confidence to know we can do the job effectively, efficiently, and honestly. It means we don’t or won’t talk about competitors. It means we approach our business professionally, and humanly.

Humility here can mean a variety of things that make us stand out from other companies (and can do the same for your company, or even in your personal life!). Here’s a few examples:

  • It builds stronger relationships. People or businesses that use humility as an example are more trusted because they listen and empathize more.

  • It reduces conflict, both in the office and with customers. Humble employees and businesses are more apt to admit mistakes or when they may be at fault.

  • Better ability to solve problems. With egos in check, it becomes easier to be open minded to the possibilities of different ways of doing things, including accepting suggestions from others.

So be proud of who you are, and what you can achieve with others, using a confident, humble attitude and mindset!

Red Dog’s Roofing is a local, community focused roofing company based out of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, who have provided exterior remodeling solutions for generations. Their newest initiative is supplying guidance to the next generation of tradespeople by offering resources, encouragement, and solutions to make them more empowered choices in their careers and in their lives. http://www.reddogsroofing.com