To create great teamwork, you need to eliminate the ego in the workplace and leave it at home every day. People often discuss the ego, but they mean many different things by it. Some people argue that we need a healthy ego to function effectively in this world. “Healthy” could mean, for example, having a healthy sense of self, respecting healthy boundaries, or knowing your likes and dislikes.
Commonly, the ego is seen as a flawed entity, to which are attributed many distasteful character traits that we all believe everyone else demonstrates, while, amazingly, we are perceived as being squeaky clean. I say that somewhat tongue-in-cheek because, unfortunately, we all have both a healthy and an unhealthy ego at times, and I would challenge anyone to deny it. When it comes to teamwork, though, these traits can be destructive.
Below, I outline several destructive ego traits which I am sure we all demonstrate at times, not only in the workplace, but they can have a significant impact in that arena. I hope to raise awareness, not beat people up. If you find you sometimes fall into the ego trap and display some of these behaviours, then try if you can to give yourself an inward smile, realise it’s simply a ploy of the ego to suck you in, and learn from it and try to do better next time.
Ego In The Workplace
1. The need to be right
We all have different perspectives, and quite often, there are several possibilities for any given problem. The ego is definitely in play when we make ourselves right and others wrong. Win/win thinking and behaviour to create better teamwork is the alternative.
2. A sense of entitlement or specialness
A sense of entitlement and a need to be special make the workplace competitive and self-serving, with little regard for teamwork. Individuals will have expectations about what they “deserve”, and this usually means they believe others don’t deserve the same benefits, praise, salary, etc. The alternative is to understand that everyone makes a unique, albeit different, contribution and that everyone is part of the team, and therefore, valuable.
3. Gossip
The problem with gossip is that it mainly speculates about what might be rather than facts. Unfortunately, speculation can escalate and unnecessarily foster fear and discontent. Not only is gossip a source of negative energy, but it is also a waste of time. Hearing someone gossip about someone else does little to endear a person to them; it creates a wedge of distrust because if they can talk about others behind their backs, they might be doing the same to you. The alternative is to create meaningful conversations about our own experiences, inviting others to share theirs, sticking to facts and avoiding personal opinions about others. Discussing your thoughts, feelings, and so on, without attributing or assuming what other people’s motives, thoughts, or feelings might be, is a way to foster better teamwork.
4. “Yes person” mentality, not being one’s true self
People pleasing, especially in a hierarchical team-working structure, results in a lack of growth and a denial of unique talents and contributions. A result of a need to be liked stems from a fear of not being good enough or of being rejected for speaking up; some leaders encourage this trait in team members because it makes them feel secure. The alternative is to speak your truth, but do it in a way that respects everyone else’s.
5. Complaining
Complaining about others is a method we use to assert the wrongness of others and the rightness of ourselves. It is an ego tool that distracts us from trying to understand and be forgiving of others, and instead uses blame to protect our image of ourselves. The alternative is to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and try to understand their perspective. Stick with the facts and do not take or make things personal.
6. Competitiveness Over Collaboration
In the realm of ego in the workplace, competitiveness often overshadows collaboration as a significant issue. This trait involves prioritising personal achievements and accolades over the team’s collective success. Such an approach can create a toxic work environment where cooperation and teamwork are undervalued. In workplaces where “ego in the workplace” prevails, individual pursuits often overshadow collaborative efforts, resulting in a breakdown in team cohesion and efficiency. Encouraging a culture where team accomplishments are celebrated over individual triumphs can mitigate this issue, fostering a more inclusive and productive workplace.
7. Resisting Feedback
Ego in the workplace often manifests as an inability to accept constructive criticism. Individuals who resist feedback typically view it as a personal attack rather than an opportunity for growth. This behaviour can stifle personal and professional development, creating barriers to effective communication within a team. A workplace culture that encourages open, constructive feedback and views it as a tool for improvement rather than criticism can help manage ego and promote a more adaptive and learning-oriented work environment.
8. Lack of Empathy
A lack of empathy, driven by ego, in the workplace can lead to a failure to understand or respect colleagues’ perspectives. This trait undermines team dynamics and can result in conflict and decreased morale. Empathy is crucial for creating a supportive and understanding work environment. When team members are empathetic, they foster a culture of mutual respect and understanding, which is vital for effective collaboration and problem-solving.
9. Need for Constant Recognition
The need for constant recognition is a trait of ego in the workplace that involves seeking excessive praise and validation. While recognition is essential for motivation, overemphasising it can lead to a dependency that undermines team spirit. This behaviour can also overshadow the contributions of others. Balancing recognition with a focus on collective achievements can create a more equitable and motivating work environment.
10. Inflexibility
Often driven by ego, inflexibility is characterised by an unwillingness to adapt or compromise. In the workplace, this trait can hinder progress and innovation. Flexible thinking and adaptability are key in a rapidly changing work environment. Promoting a culture that values diverse perspectives and is open to new ideas can help reduce the negative impacts of inflexibility.
11. Micromanagement
Micromanagement, a form of ego in the workplace, involves exerting excessive control over team members, undermining their autonomy and confidence. Behaviour can demotivate employees and stifle creativity and initiative. Encouraging a more trusting and empowering approach can help in creating a more dynamic and engaged workforce.
12. Avoidance of Accountability
Avoiding accountability is a clear indication of an ego-centric approach in the workplace. This trait involves shifting blame and not taking responsibility for mistakes. A culture encouraging responsibility and learning from errors can foster a more resilient and accountable workforce.
13. Overconfidence
Overconfidence, a manifestation of ego in the workplace, leads to excessive self-assurance and often results in poor decision-making. While confidence is essential, overconfidence can blind individuals to potential risks and alternative perspectives. Promoting a culture of humility and continuous learning can mitigate the risks associated with overconfidence.
14. Dismissal of Ideas
The dismissal of ideas, driven by ego in the workplace, involves ignoring or devaluing colleagues’ contributions and ideas. This behaviour can stifle innovation and discourage team members from sharing their thoughts. Encouraging open dialogue and valuing all contributions can create a more inclusive and innovative work environment.
15. Hoarding information
Hoarding information to maintain a sense of superiority is a negative ego trait that can be detrimental in the workplace. This behaviour undermines teamwork and trust. Promoting transparency and knowledge sharing can help create a more collaborative and informed team.
16. Manipulative Behaviours
Manipulative behaviours, driven by ego in the workplace, involve using influence for personal gain rather than for the team’s benefit. This undermines trust and ethical standards in the workplace. Encouraging integrity and ethical behaviour can help mitigate manipulation’s negative impacts.
17. Creating conflict
Engaging in or exacerbating workplace disputes is a sign of ego. This behaviour disrupts harmony and hinders productivity. Promoting conflict resolution skills and a culture of respect can help reduce unnecessary conflicts.
18. Intolerance to Change
Intolerance to change, a trait of ego in the workplace, involves resisting new ideas or approaches. This can hinder innovation and adaptability. Encouraging a culture that embraces change and sees it as an opportunity for growth can help overcome this barrier.
19. Lack of Transparency
A lack of transparency, driven by ego in the workplace, involves withholding information or being deceitful. This behaviour erodes trust and hampers effective communication. Promoting openness and honesty can help build a more transparent and trustworthy work environment.
20. Self-Centred Goals
Focusing solely on personal objectives and not on team or organisational goals is a trait of ego in the workplace. This approach can undermine team cohesion and organisational objectives. Encouraging alignment of personal goals with team and organisational objectives can create a more unified and effective
So, you have the ego in the workplace and should leave it at home. It’s easier said than done, and we all fall into the trap at some time. Do you have any other ego traits you think should be left at home? Do you believe the ego has a place in the workplace and contributes to effective teamwork? I’d love to hear your views.
