Tame that arrogant voice
You've heard it, haven't you? That voice in your head.
"Of course I'm right. I'm always right." "They just don't get it. I'm surrounded by incompetence." "Why bother explaining? They won't understand anyway."
It's seductive, that voice. It strokes your ego. Confirms your brilliance. Justifies your impatience.
But make no mistake. This voice – this arrogance – it's not your ally. It's your saboteur.
In the short term, arrogance might feel like confidence. It might even drive results. But over time, it erodes trust, stifles innovation, and alienates your team.
So how do you tame it?
Start by listening. Not just to others, but to yourself. Catch that arrogant voice mid-thought. Recognize it for what it is – fear dressed up as superiority.
Then, challenge it.
When it says, "I'm always right," ask yourself, "What if I'm not? What might I be missing?"
When it dismisses others' ideas, pause and consider, "What insight might they have that I don't?"
When it tells you explaining is a waste of time, remind yourself, "Clear communication is my responsibility as a leader."
This isn't about self-doubt. It's about self-awareness. It's about recognizing that your greatest strength as a leader lies not in being infallible, but in being open. Open to new ideas. Open to different perspectives. Open to the possibility that you might be wrong.
Cultivate curiosity instead of arrogance. Approach each interaction, each challenge, each team member with genuine interest. What can you learn here? How can you grow?
Remember, true confidence isn't about knowing all the answers. It's about being secure enough to admit when you don't.
Leadership isn't a pedestal. It's a partnership. With your team. With your peers. With yourself.
So the next time you hear that arrogant voice, take a breath. Smile at it. And then gently, firmly, choose a different way.
Your team isn't looking for a perfect leader. They're looking for an authentic one. One who's strong enough to be humble, confident enough to be curious, and wise enough to know that leadership is a journey of constant learning.