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On the TUNNEYSIDE of SPORTS
June 24, 2013 #442 Up next...Confidence or Arrogance?
After further review..."I'm
good at what I do". A professional with whom I have worked said that
to me. Was that a high level of self-confidence speaking or was he
bordering on arrogance? I found his straightforward manner convincing.
Having been around many
professional athletes, I have often observed this level of confidence. I
recall refereeing Super Bowl XI (Oakland vs Minnesota) when, in the 4th quarter, Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton threw a
pass that was intercepted by Raiders defensive back Willie Brown, who
returned it 75 yards for a touchdown. Final score Raiders 32, Vikings 14.
As "Tark" walked off the field, he said to me "I'll be
back". Was Tarkenton bragging? I didn't think so. A stout belief in
oneself can hardly be considered offensive. But can that line be crossed?
Certainly it can. Confidence,
which has its roots in the self-belief expressed by Tarkenton and my
professional colleague, has nothing to do with gender, age, or
occupation. It's a character trait that anyone can possess. What is of
concern here are the displays of self-pleasure in one's achievements that
might be classified as "showing off". We see this far too often
in our sports stars.
A defensive player who
"sacks" the quarterback then proceeds to strut around, pounding
his chest like King Kong as the quarterback is lying on the ground. Then
too, after scoring a touchdown, players leap towards each other and
chest-bump. Common sights. Sure, be proud of your accomplishments, but
that's the job you get paid for and are supposed to do.
Should a waiting room go wild
over a pair of doctors, who smack chests after a successful surgery?
Would we tolerate salespeople taking a victory lap through Starbucks
after a successful sales call? There are lots of examples of
professionals who display quiet confidence. If you are really good
at what you do and consistently do it well, it's not bragging when you
quietly proclaim "I'm good at what I do".
By all means celebrate significant
success, but with discretion that takes care not to belittle others. As
one wise football philosopher noted about the end zone: "Act like
you've been there before." In the world of officiating, we remind
each other, "You're only as good as your next call". That's an
adage which can be observed by all.
Will you enjoy your
success with quiet confidence?
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