Jun 12, 2019
Jim and Jan tackle a topic that comes up quite a bit in
leadership - ego. They discuss their definition of ego, and how it
affects perception and ability to be a leader. Also discussed is
the balance of confidence and humility, and how developing a
feedback loop keeps our ego in check.
Key Takeaways
[4:01] The most authentic
leaders seem to have a very accurate understanding of who they are
and how they are perceived. There are leaders of course that
operate from ego almost completely, but the authentic ones gather
more trust.
[5:04] The more you see someone
project their ego, the less they are actually comfortable with who
they are. They are trying to be a certain way and live up to what
they aren’t inside, but really want to be.
[7:42] A great leader is able to
self regulate and realize it’s not all about them.
[8:44 The best supporters will
put themselves to the side and listen to you intently without their
own filters.
[11:07] You have to make sure
your feedback loop is not corrupt. When you have power, it’s
easy to have people around only telling you what you want to hear,
and that takes your ego further away from where it needs to
be.
[12:30] Three questions to ask
yourself consistently:
- What
are you doing in team meetings that is helpful?
- What
are you doing that isn’t helpful?
- If
you can change how you interact with the team, what would it
be?
[13:51] We will always make
mistakes, and we must be humble enough to be open to learning and
growing.
[16:10] The anchor point for ego
is in the wrong spot when our worth and identity is directly
correlated to our job or a certain status.
[17:53] People put on a display
when they feel intimidated, or they get so overwhelmed that they
mute the beauty that is within. The real artful networker knows how
to comfort others so the real inner awesomeness can shine
through.
[22:17] To face your own
hypocrisy, you must have humility.
[23:37] How would you describe
it to someone if it was similar to a lost piece of luggage or a
coat you were checking?
Quotable Quotes
- “Listening is the highest form of
respect.”
- “Ask
yourself - am I easy to follow?”
- “Never let your ego get so close to your
position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it.” -
Colin Powell
- “The
peacocks are pretty, but not enjoyable and fun.”
- “The
ego is not a master in its own house.” Freud
The Spirit of
Leadership
The Power Paradox
TLP047: Insights on How Individual
Self-Awareness Affects Team Performance
Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders
LinkedIn:
@TheLeadershipPodcast
Facebook: @westudyleaders
Twitter: @westudyleaders
Website: The Leadership Podcast