How to Curb Your Ego and Become a Good Leader

Our ego is the cause of many fears and self-doubt. In a work environment, this leads to inconsistent decisions and creates a toxic environment. A leader who relies on his ego cannot make rational choices. Each time he thinks how this or that decision will affect him personally. Here's how to break this habit.

1. Listen and be attentive to people

By listening to others, they will tell you about their needs. Therefore, for example, during sales, you should not immediately describe the product or offer services. Ask questions, listen carefully and wait for the other person to share their wishes. Only then will you understand what can be done to satisfy them.

This is seemingly obvious advice, but mindful listening isn't always easy. Most often we do it automatically and think that we will say it ourselves in order to convince the interlocutor or impress.

Try to put your ego aside. Only in this way will you gain real trust and build sincere connections with people.

2. Do not consider ideas as someone's property

The very phrase "my idea" is a pure expression of the ego. We are used to encouraging this kind of thinking by praising people for good concepts. And while recognition is important, it often fuels our self-interest and creates a tense team environment.

Of course, to some extent, everyone has a desire to claim the rights to ideas and findings. But when it is too strong and when people are guided by it at work, conflicts arise. They forget that the main thing is not to decide who came up with a good move, but to do their best to bring it to life.

3. Develop awareness

It takes a conscious effort to appreciate how you interact with people and make decisions. Without them, many do not even notice that they are ruled by selfishness. Think about how you are doing. If you feel like the ego is taking over in some situations, ask others to give you feedback. Listen carefully and delve into their words.

If you go to a meeting where you will receive or give feedback, try practicing mindfulness shortly before it. Just five minutes is enough.

4. Learn to value yourself

At first glance, this advice seems counterintuitive. But in order not to show selfishness at work, you need to be satisfied with yourself and your life. And for this you need to know your individual needs and take care of yourself on a regular basis. Then your ego will not interfere when choosing employees and setting goals.

It often happens that leaders who are dissatisfied with their personal lives try to increase self-esteem at work. And when a new employee needs to be hired, they choose the one who is inferior to them. There is even a saying that someone who works for a four hires employees who work for a three. And the one who works for the five-plus hires people working for the five-plus.

If you are driven by your ego, then you feel threatened by subordinates who work better than you. If you are happy with yourself, then you will hire cool employees, knowing that they will help you develop your career.