The bigger the position, the bigger the ego
When we get promoted, we gain more power. With that, people are more likely to want to please us by listening more attentively, agreeing more, and laughing at our jokes. All these things make our ego gradually inflated.
On the other hand, separation is actually a risk for senior leaders. It is worth mentioning that the more leaders rise up, are put into private offices and enjoy privileged spaces, the more they risk being "away from the masses", lacking in grasp of the real situation. It is the lack of communication and exchange, the lack of information, and the confusion of those around that cause leaders to confuse status with power and actual strength. The big ego continues to prevent them from communicating with colleagues, customers, they gradually lose connection with the company itself, and eventually 'fall off the horse'.
Big ego, big consequences
Thus, the status associated with a large ego can distort our views or distort our work values and goals. It is worth mentioning that the larger the role, the harder it is for leaders to accept being challenged for power. Everyone wants to be great, but when the need for 'Recognition' becomes more important than actual performance, we are more likely to make decisions that can be detrimental to ourselves, our employees. and the organization. Ego makes us narrow our vision, easy to evaluate feelings and act contrary to our own original values.
An inflated ego also causes us to make bad decisions. When we think that we are the only architects of the success of the company or organization, we tend to become more selfish, autocratic, and privileged. Facing failures and criticism from others becomes even more difficult. High self-esteem causes us to build a defensive wall, preventing us from learning from our mistakes as well as from rich lessons from subordinates or opponents.
A big ego also makes it easier for others to take advantage of us. Because opponents or people with bad intentions know that we are already in a position to expect everyone's attention and welcome. Those who intend to manipulate us will guess: what pleases this person, how does this person expect to be treated, could this person favor someone just because they are better at pleasing?
Finally, because we believe and overestimate ourselves, our vision also narrows. The ego is the filter, making you look for confirmation only of what you want to believe, and see and hear only what you want. As a result, we lose connection with objective sources, real people who have real customer experience, as well as public opinion.
Protect yourself from yourself
Your previous self-confidence may have been one of your success factors. But as confidence grows into complacency, you'll need to adjust to the reality. Getting the ego back to normal requires some adjustments:
● Consider the perks and perks you get from your position. It's fine if they allow you to do the job efficiently. But if it's just to show your status, power, ego, then consider giving up. Especially if it is the factor that keeps you 'away from the masses'.
● Actively connect, interact and work with people who don't indulge your ego. It can be frustrating at first when dealing with employees who are outspoken, objective, and not trying to please you. That requires you to be selfless and objective.
● Think about the contribution of others to the overall success of the company. It can be as simple as taking one minute at the end of the day to think about the people who helped you that day. Don't forget to thank them as soon as they get help. This is a habit that will help you stay humble and take a holistic view of the origins of your success, as well as reduce the risk of becoming condescending.
Leadership is about people, and people change every day. Sleeping on victory or overconfident in our ability to see people and situations means that we have let past success spoil future success. Let's continue to accompany Vietnam Manpower so that the leadership path always becomes more progressive and open.
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