The Wake-Up Call: Why Ego Is the Enemy of Leadership
Jacob had always prided himself on being a top performer. As a newly promoted director at a fast-growing company, he believed that his expertise, sharp instincts, and decision-making skills were what set him apart.
He ran meetings his way, dismissed ideas that didn’t align with his vision, and expected his team to follow orders, not challenge them. He thought being in charge meant proving he was the smartest person in the room.
At first, things seemed fine. His confidence was undeniable, and the team delivered results. But over time, cracks began to show.
His employees stopped contributing new ideas. They only did what was required, never more. And worst of all, the most talented people started leaving.
One day, after losing yet another key team member, Jacob vented to a colleague: “Why does no one seem committed? I give clear direction, and I expect them to trust me.”
His colleague sighed. “Jacob, people don’t follow a leader because of their title. They follow a leader who listens, respects, and supports them. Right now, they don’t feel like they matter—only your ego does.”
The words hit hard. Was he leading a team or leading his own reputation?
Wake-Up Call: The Cost of an Ego-Driven Leader
Jacob realized he had been leading for himself, not for his team. His need to be right, to be seen as the expert, had built a wall between him and his employees. Instead of empowering them, he had made them feel unheard and undervalued.
Determined to change, he enrolled in a servant leadership training program, where he learned that great leadership isn’t about status—it’s about service.
The Turning Point: From Ego to Empowerment
After completing the training, Jacob made three key changes:
✅ Listening Before Leading – Instead of assuming he had all the answers, he encouraged team discussions and actively sought input before making decisions.
✅ Giving Credit, Not Taking It – He started celebrating his team’s successes and ensuring they received recognition, rather than claiming credit himself.
✅ Empowering, Not Controlling – Rather than micromanaging, he gave his team ownership over their work, trusting them to lead their own initiatives.
The transformation was immediate. Employees re-engaged, team morale improved, and turnover slowed. Jacob didn’t lose authority—he gained real respect. Not because he demanded it, but because he had finally earned it.
Is Your Leadership Held Back by Ego?
Great leaders don’t lead for themselves—they lead for their people. If you’ve ever struggled with control, recognition, or trust, it’s time to shift your leadership mindset.
👉 Join our Leadership Redefined Program and start leading with service, not status!
Looking forward to helping you step into your full leadership potential.
Best regards,
Checree Bryant
CEO Actuate Consulting
