What is Ego ? How to Assess a Person With and Without Ego, and the Harm an Egoistic Leader Can Cause in Team Building..

"What is Ego ? How to Assess a Person With and Without Ego, and the Harm an Egoistic Leader Can Cause in Team Building" 

What is Ego ?

Ego is a mental state where a person begins to consider themselves superior, self-sufficient, and above others. Such a person is unable to accept criticism, refuses to listen to others’ opinions, and always considers their way to be the only right one.

It is important to note that ego is different from self-respect. Self-respect is a sense of inner worth, while ego is the need to prove your worth by belittling others.

How to Identify an Egoistic and Egoless Person

1. Traits of an Egoistic Person:

Always talks about their own achievements.

Doesn’t accept suggestions or criticism.

Blames others for failures.

Wants control and obedience from everyone.

Claims all credit for success, but blames others for failures.

Ignores input from the team.

2. Traits of an Egoless Person:

Listens to everyone and values feedback.

Takes criticism as a way to improve.

Shares credit with the team.

Takes responsibility for setbacks.

Is always eager to learn and grow.

Sees themselves as part of the team, not above it.

Harm of an Egoistic Leader in Team Building

A leader’s job is not just to give directions but to inspire, include, and build a winning team. When a leader is egoistic, team growth suffers.

1. Communication Breakdown:

An egoistic leader believes only they are right and refuses to listen. As a result, team members hesitate to share ideas or feedback, leading to a lack of innovation.

Example:

Rajeev, a team leader, would only speak in meetings and never listen to others. When someone shared ideas, he would say, “You don’t know enough. I’ve been doing this for 10 years.” Gradually, the team stopped speaking up, and productivity dropped.

2. Talent Loss:

When team members feel unappreciated or ignored, they start to detach or even leave. This leads to the loss of capable people and weakens the team.

Example:

Neeta was a strong direct seller, but she forced everyone to follow only her way. Two of her talented teammates broke off and started their own group, leaving her team divided and weak.

3. Learning Stops:

An egoistic leader assumes they know everything. This mindset blocks personal and professional growth and prevents them from adapting to new systems or skills.

Example:

Anil stopped attending training sessions thinking he already knew everything. Soon, his team fell behind because he wasn’t updated on new strategies.

4. Demotivates the Team by Taking All Credit:

When the team achieves something, an egoistic leader takes all the credit. This makes the team feel invisible and unvalued.

Example:

The team achieved a 10,000 PV milestone, but the leader announced on stage, “I made it happen!” The team felt insulted, and next time, no one worked as hard.

5. Trust and Belonging Disappear:

Teams are built on trust and respect. When a leader looks down on others and always wants control, people emotionally disconnect. They may stay out of obligation, but not out of inspiration.

Example:

Kamlesh had a great team, but he always made them feel small. Over time, members stayed only in name but stopped showing activity. Growth stagnated.

What Makes a Great Leader (Without Ego)?

Humble: Always willing to learn.

Appreciative: Gives credit where it's due.

Listener: Pays attention to others’ ideas.

Mentor: Encourages and empowers the team.

Firm but Kind: Enforces discipline with respect.

Conclusion: Remove Ego to Enhance Leadership

A humble leader inspires the team, encourages growth, and fosters collaboration. But an egoistic leader breeds resentment, division, and eventually decline.

Inspirational Thought:

"The leader who thinks they know it all hasn’t even begun to learn."

So the next time ego tries to take charge, ask yourself —

"Am I leading a team, or am I just running my own ego show?"

Regards,