Does your ego come in the way of your career growth?
It’s a question worth pondering. Ego, a double-edged sword, is both a driver of ambition and a potential obstacle to professional progress. Understanding its role and managing its impact can significantly influence career trajectories. In its healthiest form, the ego propels individuals to achieve, strive for excellence, and assert their worth. It is the fuel that drives ambition and inspires confidence. Renowned psychologist Sigmund Freud described the ego as the mediator between the id (primal desires) and the superego (moral compass). In this context, a balanced ego ensures that personal ambitions align with societal expectations and organisational goals.
However, if unchecked, the ego can become a liability. It may manifest as arrogance, defensiveness, or an inability to accept constructive criticism in high-pressure professional environments. For instance, disagreements with superiors or colleagues can escalate into conflicts if one’s ego refuses to acknowledge alternative perspectives. As leadership expert Marshall Goldsmith observes in his book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, “The higher you go, the more your problems are behavioural.” Ego-driven behaviour is a prime example of this.
Ego-driven conflicts often stem from an unwillingness to compromise or an inflated sense of superiority. This behaviour can alienate colleagues, hinder teamwork, and create a toxic work environment. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Organizational Behaviour highlighted that employees who demonstrate humility — the antithesis of ego — tend to foster greater team collaboration and trust.
Indian business leaders offer valuable lessons in balancing ambition with humility. N. Chandrasekaran of Tata Sons and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw of Biocon exemplify this balance. Their leadership styles emphasise listening, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on organisational goals rather than personal glory. In contrast, leaders who allow their ego to dominate often need help sustaining long-term success.
The ego begins to take shape in childhood. Recognitions such as academic achievements or athletic successes feed it. While these affirmations build self-esteem, they can also create an insatiable hunger for validation. Over time, this can evolve into a pattern where one’s sense of self-worth becomes intertwined with external recognition.
As careers progress, this dynamic can become problematic. The ego’s desire for affirmation may lead individuals to prioritise personal success over team or organisational objectives. This is particularly detrimental in leadership roles, where the ability to inspire and align teams is paramount. As Harvard Business School professor Bill George notes, “Leadership is not about you. It’s about empowering others.”
Balancing ambition with humility requires conscious effort and self-awareness. As psychologist Carol Dweck popularised, a growth mindset emphasises learning and improvement over static achievement. By viewing challenges and failures as opportunities for growth, individuals can reduce the ego’s tendency to cling to perfectionism or defensiveness.
Even when critical, feedback is valuable for personal and professional growth. Actively seeking input from colleagues, mentors, and subordinates can provide fresh perspectives and mitigate ego-driven blind spots. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s commitment to fostering a feedback culture is a testament to this approach.
Daniel Goleman’s emotional intelligence (EI) concept underscores the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills. High EI enables individuals to manage emotions, understand others’ perspectives, and navigate workplace dynamics effectively, reducing the likelihood of ego-driven conflicts.
Aligning personal goals with organisational objectives shifts the focus from “I” to “we.” This mindset fosters collaboration and underscores the importance of collective success over individual accolades. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and journaling, can enhance self-awareness and help individuals recognise ego-driven thoughts and behaviours. These practices encourage a more balanced and grounded approach to professional challenges.
Many successful leaders demonstrate the power of humility in action. Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, is known for his measured responses and focus on long-term value creation. His humility contrasts sharply with the brashness often associated with high-profile leadership. Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi’s leadership style stands out globally. Her emphasis on empathy, listening, and nurturing talent exemplifies how humility can enhance organisational culture and drive sustainable success.
Failing to manage ego can have significant consequences. High-profile corporate scandals, such as those involving Enron or Uber’s early leadership challenges, are often traced back to leaders whose egos overshadowed their judgment. These examples underscore the importance of humility in building trust and credibility. Furthermore, unchecked ego can hinder personal growth. A 2020 study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that individuals with inflated egos are less likely to seek help or admit mistakes, limiting their ability to learn and adapt.
Ego is neither inherently good nor bad. When balanced with humility, it’s a tool that can drive ambition and foster growth. However, left unchecked, it can derail careers and damage relationships. The key lies in cultivating self-awareness, embracing feedback, and prioritising collective success over personal glory. As Mahatma Gandhi wisely said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” By transcending ego and embracing humility, professionals can unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their organisations and communities.
[1] Steve Correa is an Executive Coach and Author of The Indian Boss at Work, Thinking Global, Acting Indian
[2] Ronald D’Souza has Corporate and Consulting Experience and mentors new startup’s.
This article was first publised on medium on 29th Nov 2024.
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