Mackay: Give your ego a reality check

President Lyndon Johnson was famous for his well-developed ego. There's an old story that one day he was stopped by a Texas patrolman for speeding. When the patrolman came closer to Johnson's car and saw who was driving, he reportedly exclaimed, "Oh, my God!!"

Looking straight at the patrolman, Johnson replied, "And don't you forget it!"

Unfortunately, many leaders get chapped lips from kissing the mirror too often. They worship their self-creation too much.

I have a different way of talking about ego in my speeches. If you think you are indispensable, I tell people, stick your finger in a bowl of water and watch the hole it leaves when you pull it out.

I'm not saying that all ego is bad. It isn't. Everyone should have enough confidence/ego to stand on their own. It's what defines you and gives you spark, creativity and individuality. There's nothing wrong with having drive, passion and excitement. Those are all good. But don't confuse ego with arrogance. Where people get into trouble with ego is when it is misused.

I like to share this reality check with my audiences: When you put yourself on a pedestal and let your ego get the best of you, just remember that the size of your funeral crowd will depend largely on the weather.

Former pro wrestler turned movie star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, said: "Check your ego at the door. The ego can be the great success inhibitor. It can kill opportunities, and it can kill success."

There are some telltale signs that your ego is out of control. Do you complain frequently? Do you need to find fault with things both large and small just to get your fingerprints on a project? That might be a sign you need to take a step back.

If being judgmental is your hallmark, ask yourself why your ideas are superior to everyone else's. I'm not referring to the everyday assessments that managers and committees need to perform. But when snarky is the norm, muzzle yourself. Arguing and fighting with others doesn't usually produce the desired results. If you have productive suggestions, make them respectfully.

Make every effort not to be a know-it-all. Because you can't — know it all, that is. You can know a lot, or be at expert level, or maybe you even "wrote the book" on a topic. But it's usually more effective to let someone else brag you up.

When the shoe is on the other foot, how does your ego show itself? Being defensive when you are criticized is unprofessional and immature. Instead of blaming others, learn to listen to them and see how much they have to contribute. Give your co-workers or subordinates a chance to shine to prove that your ego is not in the way of success.

Holding grudges won't get you anywhere either. If you plan to keep working with the same people, you really have to work at working with them. Get over yourself! I can tell you from my own experience, sooner or later you will need their help.

Let's put this in a nutshell. If you want to overcome your ego, you need to learn to let go.

• Let go of being offended at every little thing.

• Let go of the need to win and be right all the time.

• Let go of the need to be superior.

• Let go of identifying yourself by your achievements and reputation.

• Keep your temper in check.

• Keep your sense of humor.

• Keep your tone respectful.

• Keep your mind and ears open.

A man once told Buddha, "I want happiness."

Mackay's Moral: Get over yourself before you trip over yourself.