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The High Cost of Ego in Leadership
A leader's ego, when unchecked, can wreak havoc on an organization. For a CEO, director, or any person in a position of authority, prioritizing personal ego over the mission and the team is a critical mistake. Much like a Coast Guard swimmer in a hurricane focuses solely on life-saving procedures, a leader in a meeting should focus on getting the job done. When ego takes the lead, it can cause leaders to act in ways that are counterproductive and waste everyone's time.
Ego-driven behavior often manifests as resistance to new ideas. For example, a CEO who gets angry at team members for suggesting a different approach may be acting from ego. This leads to filibustering, scheduling unnecessary follow-up meetings, and complaining about the status quo—all of which stalls progress and drains organizational energy.
5 Strategies for Overcoming Ego-Driven Leadership
To move past ego and lead more effectively, leaders must adopt new behaviors. Here are five practical tips for changing your approach.
1. Respect Everyone's Time
This is fundamental. If you schedule a meeting for a specific duration, honor that commitment. Sticking to the promised time shows respect for your team and their schedules.
2. Practice Balanced Empathy
Show understanding and emotion in a balanced, genuine way. Some leaders manufacture emotion, such as making themselves cry, to appear empathetic. This is transparent and ineffective. Be yourself and let genuine empathy guide your interactions.
3. Adhere to a Strict Meeting Structure
Whether you are collaborating or giving directives, a clear structure prevents meetings from devolving into time-wasting sessions. A proven framework includes:
- What's up? - Clarify the situation and the reason for the meeting.
- What's so? - Dig deeper into the true purpose and what everyone can gain.
- What are the best possibilities for action? - Brainstorm potential solutions.
- What are our next steps? - Define clear, actionable items.
- Make it happen. - Open calendars and schedule the work before the meeting ends.
If you encounter resistance, return to the "What's so?" step to understand what is holding people back.
4. Manage Your Emotional Reactions
If you find yourself getting caught in an emotional reaction, take a moment for quiet reflection. Look at the people around you who are there to help, and let them. Instead of shutting down opposing views, state your case, show the path forward, and ask for commitment to the vision.
5. Observe Your True Motivations
Self-reflection is crucial. Ask yourself if your actions are genuinely for the company's benefit or if you are trying to make yourself feel more important or secure. Forcing a point for personal edification is a misuse of authority. These personal issues can be hard to see in yourself, so consider seeking feedback from a trusted colleague. The test of a true leader is the ability to face the truth. '''