WHEN IT COMES TO SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS, IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE PROUD BUT NOT TOO PROUD
Column by JAY PERRY
Hubris. The Webster Dictionary defines hubris as, “exaggerated pride or selfconfidence”. Now, there is a place for pride. It’s the exaggeration of pride that becomes the downfall of many. We should be proud of what we achieve throughout our careers. Many have run and/or built multimillion- dollar firms—not everyone can do that! It’s when people that have accomplished a great deal start believing that they have the secret to success or that they did it alone, this is when they have gone beyond the edge of hubris.
We have all met them, those that have that exaggerated sense of pride. They are not fun to be around. This can simply be part of how we are wired as humans. We all know there is a balance that we must maintain—proud but not too proud—if we are to capture the favour of the audience. It is why at times we see yesterday’s darling has turned into today’s pariah. We all abhor someone that is full of themselves. Maybe that’s part of why we like to root for the underdog so much!
One of the things in Ally Business Coaching’s coursework advises us to reflect on accomplishments and place them in a figurative trophy case— we have an exercise on this. This trophy-case should be visited every once-in-a-while. The success of the past is what gives us the courage to face the challenges of today. They are important to recognize and even celebrate!
It is when people adopt the attitude that there is no more to improve upon, that we have done it all and that we know best, that they are starting down a very slippery slope. People like this have abandoned the concept of continuous improvement. There is always something that can be improved upon. There is no arrival status when we truly embrace the concept. People seem to forget the continuous part of continuous improvement!
I’ve written about blind spots in the past. These are what allow us to think we have made it. We need others to help see through these spots and remember that the thinking that got you to where you are is not the thinking that will get you to where you want to be! We need a different perspective. Fortunately, there are many sources for that perspective, employees being the top of the list. Consultants, either independent or vested vendors like suppliers or professionals like accountants, lawyers, etc., can also be very useful.
Usually, we are emotionally involved with our businesses. After all, we built them from humble beginnings and nurtured them along the way to where they are today. Emotion is the driving force in the early days. To keep a creative spark going, get a different perspective. You don’t have to act on every piece of advice you get, but I’m betting you will find something that will help you stay the one who’s driving!
