I am living through an experience right now where ego is killing a perfectly good business deal — a logical (aggressive, of course) deal that would net all parties a HUGELY profitable outcome with MASSIVE returns over a very short period of time.

I had heard the statistic that 75% of all business deals DIE because of ego-related bullshit…  and I just did the “yeah, yeah, yeah” thing (with the obligatory head-nod).  But it sucks to see it happening in real life!

A few minutes ago I stumbled into an article about Bill Belichick’s team building methodology where Belichek makes the case that ” Ego is the worst poison to destroy a winning team”… (I agree!)

BUT NOT TO WORRY…

What has been created over time can be corrected with the right set of discipline! AND, Tom Connor has the following insights for all of us who suffer from ego issues (so I included it below):

1. Your ego is not part of your DNA or genes.  It is man-made and can be un-made or controlled if you choose.
2. It is better to succeed and enjoy your success with a controlled ego than it is to go down in flames with an ego that is out of control.
3. If you want to know if your ego is getting in the way of your business decisions, actions, choices or anything else.  Don’t ask your employees if it is, just keep a close eye on your sales results and profits from year to year.
4. You will never win them all, no matter how good you think you are.  So get used to losing, if you are not already.
5. Hire a personal coach.  What it costs you will be peanuts compared to the time and money you could save your organization.
6. Business is not about winning or looking good but serving others well.

—————–