Episode 26 – Thom Dennis: Ego in Leadership

In this episode, we have invited Thom Dennis, Founder & CEO of Serenity in Leadership. He works with companies, organizations, and leaders to help them around inclusivity ensuring everyone feels they are part in business and help the business grow. Thom coaches business leaders to learn how to identify and control their ego towards their business and employees and educate them why it its important to keep their ego in check.

[00:57] About Thom

Thom is the owner of Serenity in Leadership and has been around the business industry for a long time.

[01:55] Leaders and their Ego

Ego is one of the paradoxes in life as the driver to achieve a successful business. Most leaders are driven and focused. However, this ego is precisely the reason why it destroys you and why its important to be self-aware of what drives you as a leader.

[04:29] When does ego becomes detrimental?

Most ego comes down to unconscious drivers and it would, perhaps, would have been helpful if the leader understands where that “drive” comes from—they can see and acknowledge it then set it up. There are times where a leader wants to scold someone, but that anger does not come from your employee’s performance. It’s unfair to take it all out from the “trigger” that made you lash out. You can scream and shout first before seeing anyone and it makes big difference when meeting with them compared to holding it back.

[07:15] How do leaders scale and develop their business?

Thom found out that most business leaders created their business around the time they have their children. It was the creative time of their life, but as the children grew up, the leader needs to let go of the business to tend to their parenting responsibilities. Most leaders hold on to their businesses and when it is the time to let go, they do the most damage.

[10:28] CEO vs. Chairman

A business leader who is a CEO and Chairman at the same time shows that they want to be in control—they simply have no intentions to let go. CEO oversee the day-to-day operations while the Chairman oversee the bigger picture. Transitioning from day-to-day to the bigger picture is challenging. This is why coaching is needed during these scenarios to facilitate you during that transition.

[14:56] Ego in Organizations

One of the challenges in organizations is bringing in people who “only” agrees to their arrangements. If you want to be successful, surround yourself with people who have different viewpoints with you. Even though having people who agree to your ideals validates them, eradicating those who have different ideas removes the “creative conflict” in the organization. You have to allow these people to express themselves in a way and disagree with you.

Resources Mentioned:

- LinkedIn Mini Course: https://www.impactforleads.com/

Find Out More:

- Jason’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonaosborn

- Thom’s Website: https://www.serenityinleadership.com/

- Thom’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomdennis

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Thank you so much and until next time… appreciate your atomic moments of impact.

Cheers,

Jason