Leggo my Ego

Self assessment

Note: not every example or theory works in all situations. And new ideas sometimes challenge chat bots.

How to Know If You Have an Ego (And How It Can Sabotage Your Business)

Your ego isn’t always obvious—it often disguises itself as confidence, ambition, or high standards. But unchecked ego can silently damage relationships, decision-making, and long-term success. Here’s how to spot it and mitigate its harm in business.

🔍 Signs You Might Have an Unhealthy Ego

You Can’t Take Feedback
- Defensiveness, excuses, or dismissing criticism as “haters.”
- Example: “My team just doesn’t get my vision.”
You Need Credit for Everything
- Micromanaging, refusing to delegate, or claiming others’ ideas.
- Example: Taking over a presentation instead of letting your team shine.
You Believe You’re the Smartest in the Room
- Interrupting, talking over others, or ignoring data that contradicts you.
- Example: “I’ve been doing this for 20 years—what do they know?”
You Blame Others for Failures
- Never admitting mistakes; always pointing fingers.
- Example: “The marketing team failed, not me.”
You Prioritize Being Right Over Winning
- Refusing to pivot (even when evidence suggests it) to save face.
- Example: Doubling down on a failing product because you believed in it.

💼 How Ego Hurts Your Business

1. Stifles Innovation

Ego rejects new ideas (because they’re not yours).
Result: Missed opportunities (e.g., Blockbuster dismissing Netflix).

2. Destroys Team Morale

Talented employees leave when they feel undervalued.
Study: 79% quit due to lack of appreciation (Gallup).

3. Clouds Judgment

Overestimating abilities → reckless risks (e.g., Theranos).
Ignoring market feedback → product flops.

4. Limits Networking

People avoid collaborating with know-it-alls.
Example: A founder who burns bridges by always demanding control.

5. Attracts the Wrong Partners

Ego-driven leaders often partner with yes-men, not truth-tellers.

🛠 How to Keep Ego in Check

Seek Dissenting Opinions
- Assign a “devil’s advocate” in meetings.
Practice Humble Inquiry
- Ask: “What am I missing here?” regularly.
Celebrate Others’ Wins Publicly
- Example: “This was all Sarah’s idea—let’s recognize her.”
Track Your Blind Spots
- Keep a “mistakes journal” to confront biases.
Define Success Beyond Yourself
- Focus on legacy (e.g., “How did my team grow?”) over personal glory.

💡 Famous Ego Warnings in Business

Steve Jobs (Early Apple): Fired for being “too difficult”—returned wiser.
Elizabeth Holmes (Theranos): Belief in her own hype led to fraud charges.
Travis Kalanick (Uber): Aggressive ego damaged culture and reputation.

Key Quote:
“Ego is the enemy of what you want and of what you have: Of mastering a craft. Of real creative insight. Of working well with others.” — Ryan Holiday

Final Thought

Ego isn’t evil—it’s unmanaged confidence. The best leaders channel ego into ambition while staying open to growth.

Ask yourself today:
“Is my need to be right costing me revenue, talent, or innovation?”

Self Assessment

📋 Ego Check: Is It Helping or Hurting You?

*(Score each item 1-5: 1 = Rarely, 5 = Always)*

1. Feedback & Criticism

I get defensive when criticized.
I dismiss feedback from “junior” team members.
I assume critics just “don’t understand” my vision.

2. Credit & Collaboration

I feel irritated when others get praised for my ideas.
I micromanage because “no one does it right.”
I rarely delegate important tasks.

3. Decision-Making

I ignore data that contradicts my gut feeling.
I double down on failing strategies to avoid admitting mistakes.
I dominate conversations in meetings.

4. Relationships

I avoid mentors/coaches (I don’t need advice).
People seem hesitant to challenge my ideas.
I’ve lost talented team members due to conflicts.

5. Self-Reflection

I rarely apologize first.
I equate being wrong with weakness.
My self-worth is tied to being “the smartest.”

📊 Scoring

15–30 points: Healthy ego. You balance confidence with humility.
31–45 points: Ego may be clouding judgment. Watch for blind spots.
46+ points: High risk. Ego is likely damaging trust and growth.

🔧 Action Steps

✔ For high scores: Start with one change (e.g., ask for feedback weekly).
✔ For moderate scores: Identify one relationship to repair (e.g., a resentful employee).
✔ For low scores: Stay vigilant—ego creeps in during success.

Remember: Ego isn’t your enemy—unchecked ego is. Revisit this checklist quarterly.