September 30, 2020

1 Leadership Thought

We’ve all worked under leaders in our past who have wielded their titles and tenures as a weapon. 

Without exception, we’ve always felt frustrated and hurt when people do that. 

The top behaviors that these kinds of leaders display are: 

  • They interrupt others a lot 

  • They go out of their way to be right 

  • They have to be in control of all the decision-making 

  • They talk a lot about stories from the past 

Here’s the secret they’re typically trying to cover up — They’re just trying to shield their own insecurity. 

Insecurity makes us try to control others and assert ourselves. Their ego says that they deserve respect and applause and flattery based on the title and tenure that they have. 

It’s just plain wrong to have to put your head down and take it from someone else’s ego problems. 

On the opposite hand, here’s something you do need to take: If you resonate with some of the behaviors listed above, maybe you need to change ways in which your ego shows up in your own leadership. 

“The one thing you need to control your ego is to see the humanity in your teammates.” (Share this on Twitter)

If you can see their humanity, you might recognize some of your own flaws. If you can really see your own flaws for what they are, it produces compassion and love for your teammates — instead of focusing on their flaws, you begin to see the potential unfolding in their lives as they grow and develop. 

If you want to control your ego, here are the top habits you need to start doing now: 

  • Start each day by remembering the true vision you’re working towards — it’ll help you remember that your teammates are on your team, not against you. 

  • Take notes in every meeting — if you posture yourself as a learner no matter who you’re meeting with, you’ll be far less likely to see yourself as better than someone. 

  • Ask and receive regular, weekly feedback — do this from people above you, people below you, and your peers. Don’t just ask for it, actually receive it. Remember that it can’t hurt you if you benefit and learn from it. 

Remember, insecurity makes you try to control others and assert yourself. Check your own ego at the door by remembering your vision, learning from others, and receiving regular feedback. 

1 Resource

Daniel Tardy on engaging coworkers as people:

"You have to listen to your heart. You have to think about that person sitting across from you. Think about their future, think about their children — slow way down...You're going to reach the end of your life and you're going to be thinking about how you did these things. Once you've accomplished all your business goals, you've made all your money, and things are going great you're going to be thinking back and if you're like me, there's a few I wish I could have back."

Source: EntreLeadership Podcast — How to Transition Team Members with Sarah Sloyan

1 Question

How would the person I want to be act today?