Research shows that cognitive unease and confidence are notably linked to performance in the work place. It is apparent that cognitive unease appears to have a greater effect on performance in men than women and hinders performance far more on tasks that require a high standard than on those with lower standards. Although one might assume that striving for perfection is healthy and should have a positive effect on the task at hand, the evidence states otherwise. Though raising the standards required for success is often thought of as motivational and encouraging, it actually has adverse effects by causing ourselves and others to feel extra pressure, and ironically hindering performance.
Contrary to popular belief, perfectionists do not actually perform better. Their need for perfection means they actually put added pressure onto themselves, which is proven to have a negative effect on performance. In actual fact, having self confidence and not putting extra pressure on yourself has a positive effect. Much like with the lack of confidence, self confidence seems to have a greater impact on the performances of males, and in tasks of a high standard rather than lower standard tasks.
The research also highlighted the fact that the confidence levels were related to situation rather than being a trait of the individual. The confidence or lack of came from how well the individual felt they were able to perform the task put before them, and their confidence levels in day to day life had no bearing on this outcome. The individual may have been a very confident person naturally, but in the given situation they felt out of their comfort zone, leading to a lack of confidence.
The study also found that men's performance is more inclined to be affected by their levels of confidence and unease in a situation than women's. This is put down to the fact that stereotypically men attach their ego to the ability to perform tasks in all aspects of their life, therefore putting more pressure on them to succeed and to a high standard.
Research suggests this crucial link between confidence and performance is not only evident in offices and work places. People such as athletes also experience symptoms of unease. However, many athletes use those symptoms to enhance their performance by drawing on their insecurities and push themselves and prove the insecurities wrong to then build on their confidence. This shows that unease and insecurities in any tasks will only affect performance if we let it. It is possible to interpret those signals differently, and channel them into our performance to drive us.
Contrary to popular belief, perfectionists do not actually perform better. Their need for perfection means they actually put added pressure onto themselves, which is proven to have a negative effect on performance. In actual fact, having self confidence and not putting extra pressure on yourself has a positive effect. Much like with the lack of confidence, self confidence seems to have a greater impact on the performances of males, and in tasks of a high standard rather than lower standard tasks.
The research also highlighted the fact that the confidence levels were related to situation rather than being a trait of the individual. The confidence or lack of came from how well the individual felt they were able to perform the task put before them, and their confidence levels in day to day life had no bearing on this outcome. The individual may have been a very confident person naturally, but in the given situation they felt out of their comfort zone, leading to a lack of confidence.
The study also found that men's performance is more inclined to be affected by their levels of confidence and unease in a situation than women's. This is put down to the fact that stereotypically men attach their ego to the ability to perform tasks in all aspects of their life, therefore putting more pressure on them to succeed and to a high standard.
Research suggests this crucial link between confidence and performance is not only evident in offices and work places. People such as athletes also experience symptoms of unease. However, many athletes use those symptoms to enhance their performance by drawing on their insecurities and push themselves and prove the insecurities wrong to then build on their confidence. This shows that unease and insecurities in any tasks will only affect performance if we let it. It is possible to interpret those signals differently, and channel them into our performance to drive us.
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