Why do you want to lead?
All too often, the answer has breadcrumbs back to ego. The drivers may be disguised in other terms such as recognition, status, power, money, or competitiveness. But it ultimately comes back to ego.
Bob recalls an executive who worked with Washington politicians. The executive described the mentality he observed all too often as, not just wanting to defeat an opponent, but to destroy him, burn the body, and then salt the earth over the ashes so the opponent could never rise again. Frightening.
Looking at this, psychologists might find some underlying insecurity or inferiority complex, driving some people to extremes. Often, they resort to cutting ethical corners, believing such actions are necessary to get ahead.
The ability of the human mind to rationalize its behavior is virtually infinite, knowing no bounds in justifying its actions, especially when under pressure and when people think they can get away with it.
Leaders get to positions of authority after years of striving and are sometimes surrounded by people who wish to gain favor, so the leader hears how wonderful he or she is. The ego is seductive, the kiss of death to true leadership.
The ego is seductive, the kiss of death to true leadership.
Leadership Derailers Assessment
Take this assessment to identify what’s inhibiting your leadership effectiveness. It will help you develop self-awareness and identify ways to improve your leadership.
Of course, leaders need courage and confidence. Leaders often venture into the unknown where the fog of uncertainty and fears of humiliating failure conjure demons in one’s mind.
Confidence must be balanced with humility. We are all fallible. None of us has all the answers. Great leadership is a group performance, even within the organizational hierarchy, with a CEO, VPs, directors, and managers down the line. Great leadership ebbs and flows among many leaders depending on the circumstances and the people involved. That’s why we focus on leadership, not “The Leader.”
True leaders unleash other leaders throughout the organization. They learn to bite their own tongues, letting others lead to gain experience and realize their talent.
Such leadership is a monumental exercise in personal discipline and self-control. You need to get over yourself. As Robert Greenleaf said decades ago, “leaders serve.” They serve others, not their own ego.
Our friend, Chuck Wachendorfer, captured it well:
“My ego is not my amigo.”
For too many leaders, their ego is their worst enemy.
Practical Applications:
- Why do you want to lead?
- Are you serving others or your own ego?
- Do you have a small group of trusted people who will give you honest feedback when your ego is getting out of control?
Personal Values Exercise
Complete this exercise to identify your personal values. It will help you develop self-awareness, including clarity about what’s most important to you in life and work, and serve as a safe harbor for you to return to when things are tough.
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Bob Vanourek and Gregg Vanourek are leadership practitioners, teachers, trainers, and award-winning authors. They are co-authors of Triple Crown Leadership: Building Excellent, Ethical, and Enduring Organizations, a winner of the International Book Awards. Check out their Leadership Derailers Assessment, complete their Personal Values Exercise, or join their community and sign up for their newsletter. If you found value in this, please forward it to a friend. Every little bit helps!
