Leadership Thought #440 – Avoid Being Put On A Pedestal
Avoid being put on a pedestal by yourself or by others. I’ve seen good people get too full of themselves when they begin to view themselves as extra special and different from everyone else. It occurs in all industries and sectors. There is certainly no exclusion for nonprofit leaders. It is never good for any of us to be surrounded by people who are too deferential. Success without humility typically leads to ego issues. I’m not saying we shouldn’t value or respect accomplishment, but we shouldn’t put a disproportionate emphasis on the attributes of the person. Superlative outcomes are typically the result of good timing, diligent work, and a specialized focus, rather than generic ability. In addition, doing good work that leverages your unique talents and makes a positive impact on the lives of others should be a sufficient reward. Don’t get too caught up in celebrating YOU.
It’s also important to remember that no one is ever successful alone. There are many people who helped you climb the ladder and scale the heights. Share the credit widely and generously. You also probably learned some tough lessons along the way and didn’t always make the best choices — something we often forget. No one ever bats 1000%. It is the sum of your experiences, not just the good parts, that make you who you are. Life has a way of humbling all of us. No one ever fully creates their own luck, regardless of what they would like to think. Wise people understand that we are meant to learn and grow through both tribulation and triumph. The history of humankind is littered with leaders who forget this simple fact.
Arrogance is just your ego running amok. Arrogant people stop listening to what others have to say. They tend to make quick judgments about other individuals and their capabilities. Their patience tends to run thin. Manners start to slowly wither in subtle or sometimes even unsubtle ways. Basic human kindness is often mistaken for generosity, but not in a positive sense. If it doesn’t directly affect them, they quickly lose interest. They stop soliciting constructive feedback. Unless, of course, the feedback comes from someone they believe to be their equal or superior (note: over time, fewer people fit this category). Their primary goal becomes validating their own perspective rather than seeking the best answer. They start overvaluing what they know over what they still need to learn. They begin to live in a bubble of their own making rather than expanding their worldview. They stand on a slippery pedestal with uneven footing and improper balance.
I’ve been around long enough now to know that even the most capable leaders I know aren’t good at everything. When they start overreaching or taking unnecessary risks, it is a sign that something is amiss. Surround yourself with talented, good people rather than just trying to be great yourself. Ensure you are standing with others on a wide, stable platform when you receive acknowledgment. Broaden rather than narrow your feedback loop. Success is a combination of science and art. And, replicating success isn’t as easy as it sounds. I’m constantly amazed by how people who once exhibited some degree of intellectual rigor start forming strong opinions with little knowledge of the facts. “Ready, fire, aim” becomes the norm. When you believe you are an expert and begin to act as if you are invincible, it’s time to step away from the leadership role. Yesterday’s heroes can easily become tomorrow’s goats. Leave the pedestals to others and instead focus on being the best YOU possible, regardless of the acclaim. To excel in life, we all require ongoing learning, active personal development, humility in the face of what we do not know, and support from others. It is not a solo journey…
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