Five Ways To Keep Your Ego in Check at Workplace

Many of us spend a majority of our time at the workplace and are in constant touch with our colleagues, bosses and others. In a demanding and competitive work environment, tempers can rise and small issues blown out of proportion. When ego problems crop up at our place of work, we cannot focus on the task at hand, and this could disrupt the entire functioning of an organisation. Moresha Benjamin lists simple steps that one can follow at the workplace to prevent ego-related tussles. 

Be A Team Player
The first thing to remember is that the success of any project we undertake involves team work. In many cases, one see’s projects getting delayed because of ego hassles among team members. This can be very detrimental to an organisation. “The successful completion of a project should be your only focus. Playing the game of one-upmanship or making someone look bad will benefit no one. Sink your differences and learn to be a team player. This is a key component of keeping your ego in check,” says Meenakshi Roy, vice president, human resources, Reliance Broadcast Network.

Reflect On Performance
Take time out to reflect on your professional life regularly, but be honest with yourself while doing so. While it is necessary to be proud of your achievements, don’t let it inflate your ego. At the same time, be honest with yourself if things go wrong in an assignment you are handling due to a mistake you have made. “It is a good lesson for anyone who has earned success, and he needs to remind himself that success is earned and not bestowed,” says Sridhar Maturi, head, HR relations, Mahindra Satyam.

Don’t Get Obsessed
Most of these opinions do not matter. Rather focus on relationships and opinions of people with who you share mutual respect and friendship. This will enhance efficiency and guide your ego in the right direction, says Anuraag Maini, executive VP, HR and training, with DLF Pramerica Life Insurance.

Ask For Help
Even if you’re an extremely experienced professional in your chosen field, you may not be aware of certain developments. “Do not let your ego come in the way of asking a junior colleague for help. Some of the most successful businessmen in the world openly admit to hiring people who are better than they are, when asked about the secret of their organisation’s success,” says Roy.

Be Humble
Hard work, single-minded focus and sincerity can make you a successful professional, adds Maini. But always be humble about your achievements. Ego affirms one’s ability to take charge and keeping a check on it is critical to developing strong organisations, which can achieve sustainable results, says Maturi.