Everyone has one. The ego…it can be a very powerful thing. So powerful that even those in the highest leadership positions can fall into its trap, letting its voice drown out the voices of everyone else around.
If you’re in a leadership position, or want to be, you need to check your ego at the door!
Leaders who may be insecure, or perhaps have a case of “imposter syndrome”, often let their ego do the talking and the decision-making. Ego-driven decisions can be damaging to an organization in many ways. If a leader isn’t willing to listen to others, they will likely pass over options and opportunities that would lead to better outcomes.
In extreme cases, the ego-driven leader will alienate and even actively eliminate those in the organization who trigger their insecurities. This leader mistakenly believes that they gain power by being the originator of the idea, plan, or decision. When the outcomes are less than desirable, this leader refuses to accept accountability because their ego won’t acknowledge it. They will eventually drive an organization off a cliff, because they refuse to acknowledge they are steering in the wrong direction and therefore won’t change course.
Inevitably, the chickens come home to roost! The ego has not only damaged the organization in terms of poor outcomes, but undermined the trust and relationships within the organization as well. This creates a domino effect with retention and recruitment, and the talent pool dries up because talent isn’t valued. The organization shrivels in the hands of the ego-driven leader.
A “high-road leader“, on the other hand, knows that the right decision is the best decision, regardless of whose idea it is. Ego isn’t in the driver’s seat…maybe along for the ride, but probably stuffed in the trunk.
Take the high road. Leave the ego at the door, it only knows how to travel on the low road. Leadership that is a perfect storm of integrity, altruism and pragmatism results in a culture of trust, respect, innovation, and success!