Confidence versus Arrogance
The real difference between the two is the internal self-image you have of yourself as a manager and how it manifests itself in your behavior towards your team.
Confidence = setting yourself up in the mind of your team as a reference for when any of them have questions or make mistakes; making yourself available but generally not imposing your expertise; having your people want to come to you.
Arrogance = micromanaging your team and intruding your knowledge on them, regardless of whether you were asked to or not; checking up on others and consistently proffering advice; having your team choose struggle and head-banging-against-wall rather than coming to talk to you.
A confident manager feels comfortable in his professional and managerial skills. It’s a quiet and internal confidence, one which doesn’t require you to flaunt your abilities. An arrogant manager, on the other hand, feels the need to constantly reiterate his/her skills to others, likely out of insecurity. The difference in behavior that results from the difference in your self-worth is often compounded by the reaction your team has towards you. A confident manager gains respect of his team, reinforcing his/her sense of self; an arrogant manager incurs behind-the-back ridicule and frustration, reinforcing his/her insecurity. Additionally, the team dynamic created by a confident manager is one that promotes reaching out for help whenever necessary—as opposed to prematurely or after having wasted too much time attempting to solve the problem—and therefore creates a more efficient and effective work environment.
Break the vicious cycle. Get yourself to a place where external affirmation and education is not necessary to your self-image.