Ego has No Place in Leadership

Lately, I’ve been struck by a common trait among all of my coaching clients: humility. Every one of them is eager to improve, open to feedback, and committed to learning. They’re confident in their ability to grow their businesses and lead their teams, yet they remain willing to adapt to the demands of the moment. This balance of confidence and humility is a powerful indicator of future success.

The more I reflect on my own leadership journey, the more I realize how insecurity and ego often go hand-in-hand. When I’m unsure about the future, I tend to bluster, to overcompensate. And I’ve seen this in many leaders. How often have you encountered a manager who refuses to consider new perspectives because they feel insecure? The ego covers up imposter syndrome, hiding vulnerabilities that, if embraced, could lead to growth.

When I hired my first assistant, Jeannie, I was filled with imposter syndrome. I doubted my readiness to manage her, convinced that she’d soon see me as a fraud. I even worried my colleagues at the brokerage were laughing at me for hiring her so early in my real estate career. But, as they say, go big or go home. Besides, I hated doing marketing tasks, and Jeannie’s skills were a luxury I couldn’t ignore.

Almost immediately, my ego created a wedge between us. I showed Jeannie my carefully crafted checklists for managing transactions, using Excel to track everything. I even asked her to think of a better way to stay organized.

After about a week, Jeannie suggested, “I’ve found an app called Trello. I think it could help streamline our process.”

My immediate reaction? Resistance. How could she challenge my beloved Excel? I was so sure my system was the best, I couldn’t see how Trello could improve things. I let her explain her reasoning, but I was skeptical. Deep down, I feared she’d outshine me in this area.

Fortunately, I kept that to myself and promised to consider her suggestion overnight.

That night, clarity hit me. It wasn’t about whether we used Excel, Trello, or even Post-it notes. What mattered was my willingness to listen, to take her ideas seriously. Growth didn’t depend on the tool—it depended on my openness to new ideas.

The next day, I left my ego at home and went to the office with a fresh perspective. I admitted to Jeannie that I hadn’t truly listened when she pitched Trello. I agreed to give it a try, especially since it was free. What did I have to lose?

Over time, putting my ego aside became a relief. As leaders, we don’t have to know everything. It’s okay to be confused, uncertain, or even unsure of the next step. Omniscience isn’t required. The best leaders are those who remain humble, who recognize that ego has no place in leadership.

May it be of service! 💖