According to the Harvard Business Review, the higher leaders rise in the ranks, the more they are at risk of getting an inflated ego. The bigger their ego grows, the more they are at risk of ending up in an insulated bubble, losing touch with their colleagues, the culture and ultimately their clients.
An unchecked ego can warp our perspective, twist our values and corrupt our behavior. When we believe we’re the sole architects of our success, we tend to be ruder, more selfish and more likely to interrupt others. An inflated ego also narrows our vision. The ego always looks for information that confirms what it wants to believe. Basically, a big ego makes us have a strong confirmation bias.
Breaking free of an overly protective or inflated ego requires selflessness, reflection and courage. Consider the perks and privileges you are being offered in your role. Some of them are simply perks to promote your status and power and ultimately ego. Support, develop and work with people who won’t feed your ego. Humility and gratitude are cornerstones of selflessness. Make a habit of taking a moment at the end of each day to reflect on all the people that were part of making you successful on that day.
