12 Signs of an Egotistical Leader and What To Do When You Encounter One
Egotistical leaders are like cancer. Here’s how to identify them and what to do when you find one.
Egotistical leaders are silent assassins that kill trust, teamwork, diversity, morale, and joy. Unfortunately, they're common. Fortunately, they’re pretty easy to spot. Here’s how:
12. They can't control their emotions.
11. They work to control the flow of information.
10. Truth doesn't matter to them.
9. They can be charming and engaging at times, especially to sponsors.
8. They demand personal loyalty.
7. They love big audiences.
6. They’re quick to take credit for the achievements of their team and blame them for mistakes, too.
5. They have high attrition rates and explain away departures "it's not because of me" for departures.
4. The best and highest integrity people disagree with them
3. Their brand matters more to them than their company's
2. Ego is everything
1. They don’t think this list applies to them.
What should you do when you find an egotistical leader in your midst?
Roman philosopher Seneca said of egotistical people, “Exact no revenge at all. Stay on the right course.” Wear your generosity as openly as the egotistical leader wears his self-absorption. Careful observers will notice the difference. And,
If you're in charge, show them the door. Fast.
If you're a peer, stay calm and play the long game:
Be respectful, yet public, about your differences.
Refuse to become ensnared in the cloud of drama; do your job.
Disagree based on "us and we," not "I and me."
Then, return to point 1. Never give up. Like a shadow, the ego of the egotistical leader will catch up and cover them in darkness. They'll move on, and you'll move forward.
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