Best leaders are often the ones who never wanted to lead. (Here’s 5 steps on how to lead the right way) If your ego drives your decisions ➟ you’re failing your team. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about creating a space where the best ideas win. No matter where they come from. Here’s the difference: ➟ Bad leaders seek credit ➟ Good leaders seek solutions ➟ Bad leaders silence others ➟ Good leaders amplify their team ➟ Bad leaders cling to power ➟ Good leaders empower Here’s 5 steps on how to lead the right way: 1️⃣ Check your ego. → Your title doesn’t make you right. Listening does. 2️⃣ Build a safe culture. → Make it easy for your team to challenge ideas, even yours. 3️⃣ Recognize others. → Celebrate contributions from every level, not just the top. 4️⃣ Focus on outcomes. → What’s right should always come before who’s right. 5️⃣ Stay humble. → Great leaders never stop learning, from anyone. Why does this matter? Because real leadership isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about winning trust, respect, and results. Ego is the biggest enemy of great leadership. 💬 Agree or Disagree? Comment below! A huge shout-out to Simon Sinek for this amazing quote! ♻ Share this to help your network. And follow HR Leaders for more. 📌 P.S. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter. Join 120,000+ HR professionals who receive weekly tips via email and social https://lnkd.in/eAdb6ydY
Jahopp
1w
This is such a powerful reminder of what true leadership looks like. The shift from 'seeking credit' to 'seeking solutions' is a game-changer — and it’s amazing how impactful it can be when leaders focus on amplifying their teams rather than silencing them. The point about building a safe culture really resonates with me. Encouraging open dialogue, even when it challenges your own ideas, creates an environment where innovation thrives. Ego truly is the biggest obstacle to great leadership. Agree 100%!
Disagree—slightly. Ego isn’t always the enemy. In fact, a healthy ego can be the backbone of great leadership. Confidence in your vision, your team, and your decision-making? That’s essential. The problem isn’t ego itself—it’s unchecked ego. When leaders stop listening, stop evolving, and start thinking they’re above criticism, that’s when ego becomes destructive. True leadership isn’t about killing your ego—it’s about balancing it. A leader who constantly questions their worth can be just as damaging as one who thinks they’re infallible. So, yes—check your ego, but don’t erase it. A strong leader isn’t ego-less—they’re self-aware.
Good leaders empower others and genuinely care about people. 💫
AFTAB ALAM
1w
"Absolutely love this perspective! A great leader is determined and focused on finding solutions rather than being concerned with personal pride or who’s right. It’s about aligning with what’s right for the team, the organization, and the greater good. This mindset fosters collaboration, trust, and growth—true hallmarks of effective leadership. Grateful to you for sharing such a powerful reminder!"
Javier Tovar
1w
Great advice
This is important. Lines can blur here in the heat of the moment. All the points you have outlined resonate well on this topic.
The best leader may be in the room for years, decades, and never given a chance due to the inability for people to recognize their influence because they don’t have something in this predetermined checklist that they are looking for. Too many people in positions working harder to hold the position instead of replace themselves all while the true leader is serving everyone around them, evaluating others and being overlooked by the people in charge.
Shona Wylie
1w
Love this post - Becoming more self-aware as a leader is so important. Recognise the downstream impact of your actions, particularly when your ego is overly inflated and uncontrolled. Prioritise listening over speaking.
Harman Bains
5d
Absolutely agree! 💯 Leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about service, humility, and empowering others to thrive. When leaders prioritize trust, collaboration, and growth, the entire team wins. This is a powerful reminder to lead with purpose, not ego!
Agree with the bad leaders cling to power and good leaders empower 🙌