About self-overestimation
- Carsten Arnfjord Thomsen
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 2
We all tend to think we are better drivers than we actually are. It sounds almost cliché, yet it reflects a widespread truth: we see ourselves as above average - in almost everything.
This tendency to overestimate ourselves is a key challenge in many professional contexts, including feedback, recruitment, and an individual’s general assessment of their own skills and collaboration abilities.
But how is it that we so often assess ourselves as being more competent, moral, or likeable than the average?
The Paradox of Overestimation
Research shows that it is common to overrate our own abilities and qualities compared to others. This phenomenon is called the “better-than-average-effect” - also known as "illusory superiority".
The better-than-average effect describes how we systematically believe we are better than the majority across a wide range of areas - from driving and leadership skills to empathy and morality.
Often, this perception is not deliberate, but a result of the brain processing information in ways that protect our self-image and self-esteem.
Why do we overestimate ourselves?
Factors contributing to self-overestimation include:
- Limited feedback: Many people do not receive honest feedback that could help adjust their self-perception.
- Social norms: We are encouraged to appear strong and confident, which can lead to a polished, idealized self-image.
- Cognitive biases: Humans naturally focus on information that supports a positive self-view and ignore information that challenges it.
Implications for testing and evaluation
When working with people and assessments - whether in recruitment or development conversations - it is crucial to remember that self-perception is often influenced by the "better-than-average-effect".
By creating a safe environment where test persons and candidates feel comfortable reflecting honestly on their strengths and weaknesses, we can help them develop a more realistic self-understanding.
Awareness of our natural tendency to overestimate ourselves allows for more nuanced and constructive discussions about strengths and areas for development - both professionally and personally.
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