We’re all working toward being successful and achieving that success is a wonderful feeling. But once you’re there, it’s important to make sure it doesn’t go to your head.
It’s an issue many successful people struggle with, and it can cause serious problems. When you allow your ego to rule, you lose control of your life, your relationships, and everything you’ve worked so hard for.
An overgrown ego is something to be consistently watchful for. Here are some of the most common signs:
You hog the spotlight. When you put yourself out front and keep others in the shadows, you aren’t communicating your success but your sense of self-importance. Putting others forward is not only the right thing to do but also makes you look better.
You’ve stopped learning. Learning doesn’t happen by chance—it takes work and diligence and humility. Talent and luck can happen to anyone, but if you don’t keep learning your success isn’t likely to last.
You take all the credit. Nothing ever great has ever been accomplished without the help of someone else. When you pretend that an achievement is yours alone, you alienate those around you—the very people whose help you’re likely to need again.
You have a sense of entitlement. Believing you deserve certain privileges ahead of other people is a great way to build resentment and contempt. Being the boss doesn’t put you at the front of the line.
You ignore feedback. When you tune out feedback, you risk coming across as someone who thinks they’re too smart to listen to others. And you’re undermining yourself, because success favors those who know how to listen and respond to others.
Your behavior is self-centered. If you consistently put your own needs ahead of others’, you haven’t achieved success at all—because true success is about sharing what you have with those around you.
You’re difficult to be around. If people find it challenging to spend time with you, you’ll soon find yourself alone.
You’re not respectful of others. If you find yourself looking down on others , it’s time for a serious attitude check. Everyone deserves respect. Remember that the day may come when your own success has slipped and the people you’ve slighted are on top , and treat them as you would wish to be treated yourself.
A healthy ego and self-respect are important for anyone, but never forget that you’re no better than those around you. Enjoy the success you’ve earned. Just remember that it doesn’t mean you’re smarter, or more valuable or more worthy of respect.
Lead from within: When you become successful, don’t give in to your ego or rest on your accomplishments. Through success, failure and everything in between, make it a goal every day to be better than yesterday.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
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- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
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Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.