The Ego Tightrope: Finding the Balance

As we navigate through increasingly turbulent times, understanding the role of ego in our own leadership becomes crucial. For many of us, walking the line between ego-led and ego-informed leadership can mean the difference between burnout and sustainable impact.

Understanding the Spectrum

Ego-Led Leadership

If we use the Destroyer, Preserver and Regenerator analogy, we see this most prominently in Destroyer-type leaders, where the ego reigns supreme. These leaders:

- Make decisions based primarily on personal gain or power

- React defensively to criticism or challenge

- Take credit for successes while deflecting failures

- View relationships as transactional

- Struggle to acknowledge mistakes or show vulnerability

You may recognise this in those preparing to take over The White House right now, for instance.

Ego-Informed Leadership

This is where Regenerative Leaders can truly shine. Here, the ego serves as a helpful adviser rather than the chief decision-maker. These leaders:

- Use self-awareness as a tool for growth

- Acknowledge both strengths and limitations

- Make decisions based on collective benefit

- Welcome diverse perspectives and feedback

- Share credit and take responsibility

The Unique Challenge for Regenerative Leaders

As a Regenerative Leader, you're likely driven by a deep connection to humanity and the planet. Your work often involves challenging the status quo and calling out injustice. This is where ego awareness becomes particularly crucial.

Why? Because the very passion and purpose that drives you can sometimes blur the line between ego-led and ego-informed decisions. When you're fighting for important causes, it's easy to become overly attached to being "right" or to take resistance personally.

Five Signs You're Becoming Ego-Led

1. You're taking opposition to your ideas as personal attacks

2. You're feeling increasingly isolated in your mission

3. You're struggling to collaborate with those who approach things differently

4. You're feeling depleted rather than energised by your work

5. You're finding it hard to admit when you don't know something

Practical Tips for Staying Ego-Informed

1. Practice Regular Self-Reflection

Set aside quiet time each week to check in with yourself. Ask:

- What triggered strong emotional reactions this week?

- Where did I feel defensive?

- What feedback did I resist?

2. Build Your Support Network

Create a circle of trusted peers who can:

- Offer honest feedback

- Share their own vulnerability

- Help you maintain perspective

- Celebrate your successes

- Challenge your assumptions

3. Stay Connected to Your 'Why'

- Regularly reconnect with your purpose beyond personal achievement

- Keep evidence of positive impact to ground you during challenging times

- Share stories of collective success rather than personal victories

4. Embrace the Learning Journey

- View challenges as opportunities for growth

- Be curious about what you're learning

- Share your mistakes and how they've helped you improve

- Stay curious about different approaches and perspectives

5. Maintain Your Energy

- Set boundaries that protect your wellbeing

- Practice self-care without guilt

- Acknowledge when you need support

- Celebrate small wins along the way

The Power of Balance

The goal isn't to eliminate ego – it's to find balance. Your ego can be a valuable ally when it informs rather than drives your leadership. It can help you:

- Stand firm when needed

- Maintain healthy boundaries

- Trust your intuition

- Advocate effectively for change

Moving Forward

As a Regenerative Leader, your role in this new era is vital. By maintaining awareness of your ego while staying connected to your purpose, you can:

- Lead with authenticity and humility

- Build genuine connections and trust

- Create sustainable change

- Inspire and hold others

- Maintain your energy for the long journey ahead

This isn't about being perfect – it's about being present and purposeful in your leadership journey. Your willingness to examine your ego and adjust your course as needed is itself an act of brave leadership.

Want to explore this further? Join us at The Brave Collective, where we create safe spaces for leaders to grow, reflect, and support each other on this journey.