Ego & Pride

"I've been in business for over 50 years - don't ever tell me how to run my company!"

Early in my career - this was a genuine response from a CEO to my Sales Director during a meeting at the prospect's offices.

My Sales Director was offering new insight - not in a hostile or confrontational way - but it was met with outrage nonetheless.

This experience taught me a few things: -

1 - the moment we think we know everything is the moment we stop learning

2 - letting your ego get in the way of new ideas is foolish

3 - announcing you're an all-knowing all-seeing superhuman is a sign of insecurity

4 - letting your emotions cloud your judgement is indicative of low EQ

5 - defensive behavior is a sign of weakness

My sales director's advice was sound and could have been of huge benefit to the CEO and his company.

Yet his behaviour prevented that & demonstrated clearly what no-one should ever turn into - regardless of your level of success.

Learning never stops.

Ever.