Why the Best Leaders Don't Use Their Ego to Lead

I just finished reading a bit from the Word of God and a new book titled "Before You Share Your Faith." I wanted to share some wisdom about leadership. Leaders make difficult decisions every day, and those who lead well refuse to let ego drive their actions.

For me, ego is an emotion that says, "I am the boss, so we'll do it my way." True leadership recognizes that leading with ego is morally wrong and reflects poor leadership practice.

Business leaders should establish leadership that is not detrimental to others. We often know when we've upset someone by their reactions, like a smirk or a complaint.

I don't know about you, but I don't even like the word "ego." It has a negative connotation. However, through my lived experience and research, I believe we can turn things around by reframing our thoughts.

This morning on my TikTok live, I encouraged my followers to reflect on their thoughts to learn more about self-leadership practices. Our interactions with colleagues, though reduced due to remote work, still provide opportunities to exercise the right emotional thinking.

Sometimes, our ego gets the best of us, especially when we're tired. In fact, I just yawned and feel a bit tired but happy today, as I've made some important personal decisions I've been putting off.

I've decided I no longer want to grow a brand or seek investment. A humble career as a tiler or counselor in the years to come will be fine for me. I'm not letting my ego take over; it's not about giving up but about focusing on what's important.

My thought leadership is okay—maybe one day I'll get a book deal—but it's no longer my main focus. I'm more interested in studying part-time and acquiring new skills for a new career.

Ego isn't just about leading in the office; it also affects our personal lives and personal development. Today, I applied for some jobs that align with my passion for mental health and education. I never aimed to start a global brand; I've just been good at sharing wisdom and never really interested in monetization.

My students used to ask, "Steve, when are you going to start a business?" I always replied, "When the timing is right." That time might come someday, but for now, I press on with my research and finding a new career.