This is a really useful think piece. I appreciate Ben’s division of ego into a bright side as well as a dark side. I believe the bright side can also be labeled as “confidence,” without which we cannot succeed in much of anything. Military people develop confidence by constantly having to adapt to a new set of duties, a new place to live, new superiors and more. We are - whether we realize it or not - transition experts. But confidence and cockiness exist on the same spectrum. I always counseled my SEALs to be confident but not cocky. Confident people learn; cocky people do not. Leaders should help others recognize where they are on the spectrum and how to move in the right direction.
This is a really useful think piece. I appreciate Ben’s division of ego into a bright side as well as a dark side. I believe the bright side can also be labeled as “confidence,” without which we cannot succeed in much of anything. Military people develop confidence by constantly having to adapt to a new set of duties, a new place to live, new superiors and more. We are - whether we realize it or not - transition experts. But confidence and cockiness exist on the same spectrum. I always counseled my SEALs to be confident but not cocky. Confident people learn; cocky people do not. Leaders should help others recognize where they are on the spectrum and how to move in the right direction.
I appreciate you reading Paul. In my years of thinking about this, "cocky people do not learn" is a great way of showing the distinction.
As you note, recognizing that the spectrum exists, as well as where you are on it - very important.