If you want to thrive as a leader, elevate your mission over whatever ego you may have. If that happens, you will look for talent anywhere they are, and also engage them in the right way. When Google says it does not care if you have a university degree or not, it is saying, I have no ego that requires me to display certificates in my HR department: I just want people that can get the job done!
Jesus would have hired lawyers, tax collectors, astrologers, etc as disciples. But He understood the importance of the mission, and went to largely fishermen, alloyed in the trade of persistence, perseverance and patience – critical attributes required for new missions. In the ancient Roman Empire, if you tell people on the street that you would hire fishermen for a big project, many would mock you. Some may recommend that you add some lawyers, doctors, and tax collectors if you want people to pay attention.
How many times has your ego pushed you to hire the wrong person? You want to introduce him as “He was the best student in his class”, “He made a first class”, “He studied in London”, “He is the son of Mr B”, etc. But deep inside you, he has no capacity to contribute to the mission.
Yes, ego has won over mission! And whenever that happens, visions die. Win over your #ego if you want that #mission to thrive.
(Ndubuisi will be teaching on building effective teams in Tekedia Mini-MBA, starting Feb 6. Check here to attend )
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Comment 1: It is possible for leaders to use their egos to drive organizations forward while also fostering a positive and collaborative mission, but it requires a careful balance.
On the one hand, having confidence and a strong sense of purpose can be essential for leadership and for inspiring and motivating others. A leader who is able to articulate a clear vision and convey a sense of purpose can help to rally their team and drive progress towards the organization’s goals.
At the same time, it is important for leaders to be aware of the potential negative effects of ego, and to try to keep their ego in check. This means being open to feedback and input from others, being willing to admit mistakes and learn from them, and being humble enough to recognize the contributions of others.
By striking this balance, leaders can use their ego to drive the organization forward while also fostering a positive and collaborative culture. This can help to build trust and cooperation among team members, which is essential for achieving success in any mission.
Comment 2: One of the key responsibilities of CEOs is to ensure that the organization has the right people in the right roles, and that includes the ability to hire and fire employees as needed. This requires a strong sense of leadership and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to keep ego in check.
Having the ability to hire and fire employees is a significant aspect of a CEO’s role, and it is important that they approach this responsibility with care and consideration. This means evaluating candidates based on their skills and fit with the organization, rather than external factors such as credentials or personal connections. It also means being willing to make difficult decisions when necessary, even if it means letting go of employees who are not performing well.
Ultimately, the ability to hire and fire effectively is a crucial part of a CEO’s role, and it requires a strong sense of leadership and a commitment to the mission of the organization. By keeping their ego in check and focusing on the needs of the organization, CEOs can make the best decisions for the team and drive the organization forward. Thanks Prof.
My Response:Good point. In this piece, I have bounded that “ego” within team building. Certainly, there is a positive ego where a CEO wants to accumulate more market share by doing things better. If I write this for a growth-focused class, the insights will modulate. My point here is ego on building teams: get the best guy irrespective of his or her background. All empires have done that: Pharaohs, Nebuchadnezzar, etc used slaves to lead. A modern version of ego-less team building is US where anybody can be anything
